Just south of the Iranian majlis (parliament), the Madraseh va Masjed-e Sepahsalar is arguably the most noteworthy example of Persian architecture of the Qajar period, as well as one of the largest. Built between 1878 and 1890, it is famed for its multiple minarets, high domes and iwans, and poetry inscribed in several ancient scripts in the tiling. It still operates as an Islamic college and as such is closed to the public; however, some local guides can talk their way in on Friday mornings (male guests only). Outside, a ban on photography is, as we found, vigorously enforced.
