Top Things to Do in Isfahan

Isfahan, the dazzling capital of ancient Persia and the third largest city of Iran known as “Half of the world”. It is located in a semi-desert region near Zayandeh-Rood River and has a temperate climate.

This amazing city is Iran’s top tourist destination regarding its architectural masterpieces. Since Isfahan was the magnificent capital of the Seljuq and Safavid dynasties, you can find a number of old Islamic monuments, Persian Gardens and palaces.

Discover this ancient city by walking through traditional bazaars, across the famous old bridges, and around the UNESCO site of Naqsh-e Jahan Square to enjoy its beautiful mosques and palaces.

 

Naghsh-e Jahan Square

(UNESCO Site)

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, meaning “pattern of the world” is one of the world’s largest squares. This wonderful square constructed during the reign of Shah Abbas the Great. It was built in a vast garden called Naqsh-e Jahan which is attributed to the Seljuk period. There are four precious architectural elements areound the square including Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and Qeysarieh Portal.

Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque)

You can visit this marvelous mosque on the south side of Naghsh-e Jahan Square. Shah Abbas Safavid has ordered to build Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque). Above all, the blue-tiled mosaics, turquoise minarets and stunning dome of the mosque have impressed many visitors. Additionally, another interesting feature of the mosque is the echo of sound under its dome.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is the masterpiece of the Safavid Dynasty. This mosque is placed in the eastern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Basically, it was built between 1602 and 1619 to commemorate Sheikh Lotfollah al-Misi, the Shiite Lebanese scholar. After all, the most remarkable feature of the mosque is its circular dome with its infinitely beautiful calligraphies and paintings.

 

Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu Palace is one of the magnificent buildings of the Safavid era. You’ll find the palace on the western side of Naghsh-e Jahan Square. Shah Abbas I in the late 16th century, ordered to construct this royal palace. This six-storey palace with 48 meter height is decorated beautifully by an attractive wooden ceiling and complicated inlay works.

Chehel Sotoon Palace

(UNESCO Site)

The glorious palace of Chehel Sotoon is another masterpiece of the Safavid dynasty. The locals called it “Chehel sotoon” means a Palace with 40 pillars. This is because of the reflection of its twenty pillars in the front pool. Likewise, the most elegant feature of this palace is its wooden columns, murals, miniatures, tile works and Aina Kari.

Chahar Bagh Boulevard

Chahar Bagh Boulevard is a historical and pleasant promenade street in Isfahan. It dates back to the Safavid era, when shah Abbas I decided to change his capital city from Qazvin to Isfahan. This boulevard is a wide tree-covered street. Evidently, it starts from Si-O-Se-Pol (Bridge) and extends to the southern part of the city, Darvazeh Shiraz.

Hasht Behesht Palace

The historical edifice of Hasht Behesht is the only remaining palace in Chahar Bagh Boulevard. It is surrounded by the beautiful garden of nightingale (Bagh-e Bolbol).  Ranked among the world’s most remarkable buildings of the Safavid dynasty. Amazingly, its wonderful tile works include delicate paintings of birds, reptiles, and predators.

Si-o-Se-Pol Bridge

Si-O-Se Pol Bridge or “33 Bridge” is one of the most famous historical bridges of Isfahan. Built on the Zayandeh River between 1599 and 1602. Allahverdi Khan built this bridge with 33 arches and 295 meters length on the order of Shah Abbas I. It is recommended to visit this wonderful bridge at night since the Esfahanis gather under the arches to sing.

Monar Jonban (Shaking Minarets)

Monar Jonban is one of the fascinating and spectacular attractions of Isfahan. Its construction is based on Ilkhanid architecture. Besides, there are some tile works remaining of Ilkhanid era. The surprising feature of this monument is its minarets. Hence, by shaking one minaret, the other minaret and other parts of the building will shake as well.

Khaju Bridge

Another amazing bridge of Isfahan is Khaju Bridge. With 133 meters length built during the reign of Shah Abbas II in about 1650. The unique feature of this bridge compared to other bridges of Isfahan is its marvelous building. This building is in the middle of the bridge and was the temporary residence of Shah Abbas.

Vank Cathedral

This wonderful Armenian Church built on the order of Shah Abbas II in Jolfa district, Isfahan. Vank Cathedral originally built as a prayer hall in 1606. Then, it was renovated and extended to the current structure. It includes a tall tower, a clock tower, two domes and a library with valuable old manuscripts. The interior view of the church beautifully decorated with gospel pictures and paintings.

Jameh Mosque

(UNESCO Site)

Jameh mosque is one of the oldest and biggest mosques of Iran. It is located in the historic center of Isfahan. The construction of this stunning mosque dates back to the 8th century. However, it has experienced many renovations over these twelve centuries. Jameh mosque considered as the museum of Islamic architecture due to its four-courtyard, double-shelled ribbed domes and amazing tile works.

Qeysarieh Bazar

Qeysarieh bazaar, also known as Grand Bazaar and Soltani bazaar, was one of the greatest trading centers in the Safavid era. It is located on the north side of Naqsh-e Jahan square and connects to Atigh Square. There are some historical and religious buildings in the bazaar, and also, many stunning paintings on the ceiling of the entrance.

Chahar Bagh School

Chahar Bagh School is one of the architectural masterpiece of Safavid era. It was a theological and clerical school in a huge complex including Caravanserai (Now it is Abbasi Hotel) and Bazaar (Now it is Bazaar-e Honar). The building decorated with bright yellow bricks, gold and silver façade, and astonishing tile-works.

Isfahan Music Museum

Isfahan music museum is the first private museum of Iran that two passionate Iranian musicians set it up in the Jolfa quarter. It is a perfect place to get familiar with almost 300 kinds of Iranian traditional musical instruments. Visiting this museum is accompanied by the performance of a traditional piece and Persian poems.

These 15 attractions are the most well-known ones; however Isfahan has yet more to explore such as Atashgah (Fire Temple), Abbasi Hotel, Hamam-e Ali Gholi Agha, Flower Garden, Nazhvan Park, Isfahan Seashell museum, Isfahan Aquarium.
Thank you for reading this blog, I hope you’ll find it enjoyable and helpful. In case you have visited Iran or you aim to visit, please leave us a comment including the 5 top attractions you prefer to visit in Isfahan. Always remember that your comment is valuable to us.