Isfahan, or Esfahan, in central Iran, is a city of great architectural beauty which deserves to be included in your travel itinerary discovering former Persia.
Nestled in Zagros mountains and overlooking Zayandeh River, it is the capital of the province with the same name, a very ancient city already thriving in the Sasanid era, later conquered by the Arabs and the Abbasids and eventually designated capital of the Seljukian sultanate.
Many dominations and cultures have passed through Isfahan (including Mongolians and Afghans), leaving behind massive traces of their passage in the rich heritage of the city.
Isfahan top attractions
The gems of Isfahan are really so many: the city started to become important in the sixteenth century under the Safavid dynasty and Shah Abbas I the Great. Much of the architectural heritage of today's Isfahan is due to him. Here are the major attractions.
Imam Khomeini Square
Also called Meydān Naqsh-e Jahān ("Half of the World Square") is one of the largest squares in the world and it was declared Unesco heritage in 1979 along with its buildings.
Shah Mosque
The most important square in Isfahan overlooks Naqsh-e-Jahan Square to the south. It was ordered by Shah Abbas I the Great in 1629 and is recognized as one of the main masterpieces of Persian architecture. After the fall of the shah in 1979 it was renamed Imam Mosque.
Ali Qapu Palace
Ali Qapu Palace was once the residence of the shah of Persia and overlooks Naqsh-e-Jahan Square.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Built in the early sixteenth century during the reign of Abbas I the Great, situated in Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, it honors sheikh Lotfollah, a learned man who was much appreciated by the shah at the time.
Friday Mosque
The ultimate manifestation of the Persian Seljukian architecture, Friday Mosque combines decorative elements of different styles, with extremely complex ornaments with geometric or floral patterns.
Si-o-se Pol
Its name means "Bridge of 33 Archs" and is one of the eleven bridges of Isfahan, built by the Safavid dynasty in the seventeenth century.
Khaju Bridge
Another famous bridge of the city, the most beautiful according to some, was ordered by Shah Abbas II in 1650 to replace a former bridge. It is also a dam and a palace for public meetings.
Vank Cathedral
It is the most important cathedral for the Armenian Catholicos church in Iran. It features a majestic golden ceiling and oil paintings decorating the interior walls.
Shaking Minarets
The Shaking Minarets Mosque, or Menar Jonbar, as the name suggests, features two tall and bizarre minarets: when the first shakes, the second shakes as a consequence.
Chehel Sotoun
Marvelous Persian garden and Unesco heritage, with a pavillion overlooking a pool. It was ordered by Shah Abbas II for entertainment. Its name means "Forty columns" because it is believed that when the columns of the pavillion reflect in the pool water they seem forty. It is one of the nine registered gardens of Iran.
Isfahan carpets
In the city of Isfahan and sorrounding areas the production of carpets is thriving: they are appreciated and popular all over the world for their refined manufacturing. Their elaborate patterns are inspired to the decorations of the mosques, the palaces and Iranian gardens. Isfahan carpets are thin with a high density of knots.
During your tour of the city you will notice that carpets are everywhere. There are shops along the streets, exhibitions and stalls in the bazaars. A carpet is an excellent souvenir to decorate your home and to remember your trip to Iran forever!
