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Esfahan

Isfahan

Naqshe-e Jahan Square

Imam Mosque of Isfahan

Khajou Bridge

Vank Cathedral

Ali Qapu Palace

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Si-o-Seh-Pol Bridge

Chehel Sotoun Palace

Mollabashi Historical House

Maranjab Desert

Grand Bazaar in Isfahan

Menar Jonban Minaret

Nazhvan Forest Park

Kashan City

Agha-Bozorg Mosque

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

Fin Garden (Bathhouse)

Boroujerdi House

Tabatabaei House

Tappeh Sialk Ziggurat

Abbasi House

Abyaneh Historical Village

Qamsar Town

Isfahan is the capital of Isfahan Province in Iran, located about 340 km (211 miles) south of Tehran. It flourished from 1050 to 1722, particularly in the 16 th and 17th centuries in the Safavid era, when it became the capital of Persia for the second time in palaces, mosques, and minarets. This led to the Persian proverb “Esfahan nesf-e jahan” (Isfahan the half of the world). Even today, the city retains much of its past glory. It is famous for its Persian-Islamic architecture, with many beautiful boulevards and bridges.

Naqshe-e Jahan Square

Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Maidan-e Naqsh-e Jahan, trans: Image of the World Square), is a square situated at the center of Isfahan city, Iran. Built by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th century, and bordered on all sides by monumental buildings linked by a series of two-storied arcades, the site is known for the Royal Mosque, the Mosque of Sheikh Lotfollah, the magnificent Portico of QeySrieh and the 15th-century Timurid palace They are an impressive testimony to the level of social and cultural life in Persia during the Safavid era. Constructed between 1598 and 1629, it is now an important historical site, and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It is also referred to as Shah Square or Imam Square. Today, NamSz-e Jom’eh (the Muslim Friday prayer) is held in the Imam Mosque.

Imam Mosque of Isfahan

The Imam Mosque also known as Ja’me Abbasi Mosque (Royal Mosque), is a mosque in Isfahan, Iran, standing in south side of Naghsh-e Jahan Square. Built during the Safavid Empire, ordered by Shah Abbas I of Persia. It is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture and an excellent example of Islamic era architecture of Iran. The Imam mosque of Isfahan is one of the everlasting masterpieces of architecture in Iran and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction began in 1611, and its splendor is mainly due to the beauty of its seven-color mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.

Khajou Bridge

Khajou Bridge is a bridge in Isfahan city which has been described as the finest in the Isfahan province. It was built by the Persian Safavid king. Shah Abbas II around 1650, on the foundations of an older bridge. Serving as both a bridge, and a dam (or a weir), it links the Khajou district on the north bank with the Zoroastrian district across the Zayandeh-Roud River. Although architecturally functioning as a bridge and a weir, it also served a primary function as a building and a place for public meetings. This structure was originally decorated with artistic tilework and paintings, and served as a teahouse. In the center of the structure, a pavilion exists inside which Shah Abbas would have once sat, admiring the view. Today, remnants of a stone seat are all that is left of the king’s chair. This bridge is one of the finest examples of Persian architecture at the height of Safavid cultural influence in Iran. Besides Khajou and Si-o-se-pol bridges, there other historical bridges in Isfahan such as Marnan (Marbin) Bridge, Joui Bridge, Shahrestan Bridge etc.

Vank Cathedral

The Holy Savior Cathedral also known the Church of the Saintly Sisters, is a cathedral located in the New Jolfa district of Isfahan, Iran. It is commonly referred to as the Vank which means ‘‘monastery or convent” in the Armenian language. The cathedral was established in 1606, dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of Armenian deportees that were resettled by Shah Abbas I during the Ottoman War of 1603-1618. The varying fortunes and independence of this suburb across the Zayandch-Roud and its the mix of European missionaries, mercenaries and travellers can be traced almost chronologically in the cathedral’s combination of building styles and contrasts in its external and internal architectural treatment

Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu is a grand palace in Isfahan, Iran. It is located on the western side of the Naqsh e Jahan Square, opposite to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and had been originally designed as a vast portal. It is forty-eight meters high and there are six floors, each accessible by a difficult spiral staircase. In the sixth floor, Music Hall, deep circular niches are found in the walls, having not only aesthetic value, but also acoustic. The name Ali Qapu, from Persian ‘Ali (meaning “imperial” or “great”), and Azerbaijani Qapu (meaning “gate”), was given to this place as it was right at the entrance to the Safavid palaces which stretched from the Naqsh e Jahan Square to the Chahar Bagh Boulevard. The building, another wonderful Safavid edifice, was built by decree of Shah Abbas I in the early 17th century. It was here that the great monarch used to entertain noble visitors, and foreign ambassadors. Shah Abbas, here for the first time, celebrated the Nowrouz (Iranian New Year) of 1597 C.E.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Still sometimes known as Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, this huge, open square is one of the largest in the world, and a majestic example of town planning. Many of the most interesting sights in Isfahan are clustered around the square, and it’s a place you just keep coming back to again and again. It is an important historical site and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the architectural masterpieces of Iranian architecture that was built during the Safavid Empire, standing on the eastern side of Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan. Construction of the mosque started in 1603 and was finished in 1619.

Si-o-Seh-Pol Bridge

The Allah-Verdi Khan Bridge popularly known as Si-o-seh (33) pol (the bridge of thirty-three spans) is one of the eleven bridges in Isfahan, Iran. It is the longest bridge on the Zayandeh-Roud, with a local length of 297.76 meters, and is one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design. Built between 1599 and 1602, the construction was financed and supervised by the Georgian chancellor of Abbas I, Allah-Verdi Khan Undiladze. It consists of two superimposed rows of 33 arches. There is a larger base plank at the start of the bridge, under which the Zayandch-Roud flows, supporting a tea house.

Chehel Sotoun Palace

Chehel Sotoun (Forty Columns) is a pavilion in the middle of a park at the far end of a long pool in Isfahan, Iran, built by Shah Abbas II to be used for his entertainment and receptions. In this palace, Shah Abbas II and his successors would receive dignitaries and ambassadors, either on the terrace or in one of the stately reception halls. The name, meaning “Forty Columns” in Persian, was inspired by the twenty slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion, which, when reflected in the waters of the fountain, are said to appear to be forty. The Chehel Sotoun Palace is among the 9 Iranian Gardens which are collectively registered as one of the Iran’s 21 registered World Heritage Sites under the name of the Persian Garden.

Mollabashi Historical House

Dating back to Zandieh and Qajar dynasty, Mollabashi Historical House is one of the most beautiful houses among all others. Also, it has some features related to Safavid dynasty. Zelol Sultan was famous for the destructions that happened under his orders. When Zelol Sultan the son of Naser-al-din Shah who was the ruler of Isfahan city this house was purchased by Mollabashi. Mollabashi was a famous astronomer during Naser-al-din Shah. This historical house is also known under the name of Motamedi House. Mollabashi Historical House is registered on the National World Heritage list. This house is placed in the cultural-context near the other Isfahan Historical Houses. Stained glass windows and mirrored walls are a part of the outstanding architecture of this house. The remarkable stucco decoration among with the colorful tiles decorating the ceiling gives the place a marvelous look.

Maranjab Desert

Along with Varzaneh, Mesr, Abouzeidabad and Chah Aroos Desert, Maranjab desert is at the top of the list of Iran desert tours. Maranjab is an indelible part of any Kashan desert tour. Maranjab is a desert north of Aran va Bidgol County in Isfahan Province, Iran. People on Kashan tours usually extend their visits to relish the glory of Maranjab desert and its numerous attractions including Maranjab Caravanserai and Maranjab Salt Lake. Most of the top-rated Iranian tour operators organize fantastic packages around Maranjab and they take care of everything including your transportation, meals and accommodation. Although it is possible to stay in Maranjab Caravanserai, most of tour operators prefer to opt for the wonderful Abouzeidabad Caravanserai Hotel. This historic monument also dates back to the Safavid era but its amenities and quality of service are far superior to that of Maranjab Caravanserai. Lodging in Abouzeidabad Caravanserai Hotel has many other great perks. There are a lot of things to see including historic sites and a magical salt lake. You can also reach the marvelous Matinabad Desert in less than thirty minutes by car.

Grand Bazaar in Isfahan

The Grand Bazaar located in Isfahan is one of the oldest and biggest markets in the Middle East. The Grand Bazaar was constructed during the 11th century. Just like other markets in the Middle East, the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan is in a close distance to the mosque. Throughout different times and eras, many arcades and booths were added to the main structure. During Safavid Dynasty, a new bazaar with its special entrance was built on the north part of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, it was called Qeisariye Bazaar. Bazar-e Bozorg in Esfahan which is roofed is as big as two kilometers and connects the old part of the city to the new part. There are many goods available in the Grand Bazaar as well as workshops to make handicrafts. Vitreous enamel, Khatam and Toreutics are famous handicrafts of Isfahan and are found in the Grand Bazaar. They are nice souvenirs for those who would like to have something to remind them of their trip to half of the world, Isfahan.

Menar Jonban Minaret

The Menar-Jonban (Shaking Minarets), or Menar-e-jomban, is a monument located in Isfahan. Construction began in the 14th century to cover the grave of Amu Abdullah Soqla Its notable feature is that if one of the minarets is shaken, the other minaret will shake as well. This remarkable structure is so carefully designed, that the weight distribution, height to width ration of the minarets and minarets dimensions to the iwan’s ratio all play a role in the shaking of the minarets. This coupled oscillation can be observed from meters away at the ground level Unfortunately, this structure has been faced damages that has resulted in the disconnect of the shaking mechanism. The nearest tourist attractions to the Menar- Jonban is Fire Temple of Isfahan.

Nazhvan Forest Park

The Nazhvan Forest Park is one of the few gardens in Isfahan, which has been rather safe from expansion and development of the city and freshens the air of Isfahan. The word nazhvan consists of two words nazh, which means "poplar" in Persian and van, which is a Persian suffix for place. Therefore nazhvan means "a place for poplars". Nazhvan has an area of 1200 ha and is located in the western part of the city. It's the only remaining part of the green space in the suburban area of Isfahan. It plays the role of Isfahan's lungs and has a special importance from the bio-environmental point of view for the city. Zayanderud river flows through the middle of the garden and this is one of the distinguished features of Nazhvan that makes it different from other parks in Isfahan. As parts of the Project for prosperity of Nazhvan, the local government of Isfahan created facilities in Nazhvan as nearby recreational area like sport grounds, a swimming pool, a campsite, playgrounds for children, also facilities for horse droshky, horse sport, boating and cycling.

Kashan City

The city of Kashan, which lies in a desert at the eastern foot of the Central Iranian Plateau, 220 km south of Tehran, was once a popular vacation spot For Safavid Kings. Archaeological excavations at the nearby Sialk mound have yielded evidence suggesting that Kashan was where religious thought first took form. According to some accounts, the three wise men of Persia, who followed a shooting star to Bethlehem to witness the nativity of Jesus Christ, were Magi originating from Kashan.

Agha-Bozorg Mosque

This mosque is one of the most glorious Islamic buildings in Kāshān which is considered the most interesting historical building in Kāshān at the moment, considering its great brick dome and tiled minaret. Agha Bozorg Mosque in Kāshān was built in 1879. The complex is an example of Iranian-traditional architecture and proportionate with desert climate and one of the most beautiful Islamic buildings. The mosque was built by attempts of Mohammad Taghi Khan-Ban to respect his brother-in-law, late Molla Mohammad Mahdi Naraqi (son of Molla Mahdi Naraqi and brother of Molla Ahmad Naraqi) known as Agha Bozorg. The nearest tourist attractions to the Agha-Bozorg Mosque are Ameri-Ha House, Kāshān Bāzār, and Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse.

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse whose appellation is due to its closeness to Sultan Amir Ahmad Shrine dates back to Seljuk era based on the discovered evidences. In fact, some of monuments are left from the famous earthquake of Kashan in 1813, the bathhouse dates back to the Seljuk era and the current building is remaining from Qajar era.

Fin Garden (Bathhouse)

Fin Garden located in Kashan, is a historical Persians garden. It contains Kashan’s Fin Bath, where Amir Kabir, the Qajarid chancellor, was murdered by an assassin sent by King Naser al-din Shah in 1852. Completed in 1590, the Fin Garden is the oldest extant garden in Iran. The origins of the garden may be anterior to the Safavid period; some sources indicate that the garden has been relocated from another place, but no clear picture of it has been found. The settlements of the garden in its present form was built under the reign of Abbas I of Persia (1571-1629), as a traditional Bagh (garden) near the village of Fin. located a few kilometer southwest of Kashan.

Boroujerdi House

The house was built in 1857 by architect Ostad Ali Maryam, for the bride of Haji Mehdi Boroujerdi, a wealthy merchant. The bride came from the affluent Tabatabaei family, for whom Ali Maryam had built the Tabatabaei House some years earlier. The Boroujerdi House is a historic house in Kashan, Iran. The house was built in 1857 by architect Ostad Ali Maryam, for the wife of Seyyed Mehdi Boroujerdi, a wealthy merchant. His wife came from the affluent Tabatabaei family, which Seyyed Mehdi fell in love with her and built this house for her.

Tabatabaei House

Tabatabaei House is a historic house in Kashan, Iran. It was built in the early 1880s for the affluent Tabatabaei family. It consists of four countyards, wall paintings with elegant stained glass windows, and includes other classic features of traditional Persian residential architecture, such as biruni and andaruni. The nearest tourist attractions to this house are historical houses of Kashan on Alavi St, therefore you could visit several of the houses of this street within a single day.

Tappeh Sialk Ziggurat

Tappeh Sialk is a large ancient archaeological site (a Tappet hill or mound) in a suburb of the city of Kashan, Isfahan Province, close to Fin Garden. The culture that inhabited this area has been linked to the Zavandeh-Roud river culture. The Sialk ziggurat was built around the 3000 BC. A joint study between Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization, the Louvre museum, and the Institute of Francais de Rechercheen verifies the point that Iran oldest settlements existed in Sialk between 5500 to 6000 BC. Sialk, and the entire area around it, is thought to have originated as a result of the pristine large water sources nearby that still run today. The Cheshmeh ye Soleyman (Solomon’s Spring) has been bringing water to this area from nearby mountains for thousands of years. The Fin garden, built in its present form in the 17th century, is a popular tourist attraction. It is here that the kings of the Safavid dynasty would spend their vacations away from their capital cities, It is also here that Pirouz Nahavandi, the Persian assassin of Caliph Umar, is buried. All these remains axe located in the same location where Sialk is.

Abbasi House

The Abbasi House is a large traditional historical house located in Kashan, Isfahan Province. Built during the late 18th century, the house is an example of Kashan’s residential architecture. Other such notable houses, such as the Tabatabaei House, are located nearby. Said to have been the property of a famous cleric, the Abbasi house has six courtyards that would fit the needs of different families. One of the chambers has a ceiling designed with mirror pieces so as to give the impression of a starry sky under the nocturnal glitter of candlelight.

Abyaneh Historical Village

Abyaneh is called an entrance to Iranian history. When the Arabs invaded Persia in the 7th century, some followers of the Zoroastrian religion lid to toe surrounding mountains and deserts to escape forced conversion to Islam. In a long and narrow valley in the Karkas Mountains, north of Isfahan, the Zoroastrians is believed to have founded a string of villages. Abyaneh is one of the last surviving villages of the valley. Abyaneh (Abyaneh) is a village in BarzRoud Rural District, in the Central District of Natanz County, Isfahan Province. Abyaneh is a beautiful historic village at the foot of Karkass mountain.

Qamsar Town

Qamsar is a town located in central Iran. The town of Qamsar is most famous for its roses, rosewater and rose perfume. Qamsar, together with three other smaller towns of Niasar and Barzook in the Isfahan province, are the main producers of rosewater in Iran for well over 800 years. Qamsar town is named as Iran’s Damask rose capital. The town has favourable weather and beautiful nature. Moreover, from the 13th century and possibly considerably earlier, cobalt was mined near Qamsar.