According to the UNESCO official introduction, the lavish Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. The walled Palace, one of the oldest groups of buildings in Tehran, became the seat of government of the Qajar family, which came into power in 1779 and made Tehran the capital of the country. Built around a garden featuring pools as well as planted areas, the Palace"s most characteristic features and rich ornaments date from the 19th century. Its exquisite gardens, intricate tile work, and stunning mirror halls have earned it a place on UNESCO"s World Heritage List since 2013.