Sofeh Mountain

Abbasi hotel, a 300-year-old building in the midst of the city of Isfahan with its historical architecture, was built in Safavid-era under the orders of Shah Sultan Hossein.

Abbasi hotel has 225 rooms and suites including the Chechm Andaz and Pardis rooms, standard Qajar and Safavid rooms which are guests’ favorites of all. Keep in mind that you Can only visit these rooms if you have booked one which only costs nineteen million Rials a night (1 to 4 persons per room). All of the rooms are equipped with special safety systems and are constructed based on international hotel standards.

It is a 17th century caravanserai that has been renovated. The simplicity and strength of this hotel are reminiscent of the glory and grandeur of Naqshe-e Jahan square. The main structure of some of these rooms belongs to the Safavid-era and its architecture is inspired by that era too. The mixture of plasterwork, illumination and vaulted walls create a unique overall atmosphere. Wall paintings and glittering gilded ceiling work are examples of magnificent art designed by various artists. Magnificent restaurants, traditional dining rooms and a traditional teahouse, each with their outstanding and persistent designs, create the atmosphere which takes you back to the memorable past.

This hotel offers a sport center with pool, sauna, gym, Jacuzzi and massage service for a more enjoyable stay. Hotel ground represents the classical Persian garden which has a reputation all over the world. The scenic view of the Chahar Bagh School’s dome as well as beautiful trees and garden create a peaceful and delightful environment. Recently, the entrance fee has been removed. Therefore, from 5PM to 10PM you can enter this magnificent hotel and walk around the classical Persian garden of Abbasi hotel for free.

Overview

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The historic monument belonging to the Mongol time, known as Monar Jonban, is a shrine over the tombstone of Amu (Uncle) Abdollah. Monar Jonban is considered as one of the most popular monuments of Isfahan for its wonderful architecture. It is located in far west of Isfahan. the twin symmetric minarets are more than a masterpiece. The High architectural knowledge of its architects is reflected in the mysterious structure of the minarets.

The main distinguished feature of this monument is that by shaking strongly one minaret, the other minaret starts shaking with the same frequency. it also can be felt in the whole structure slightly. According to the latest research that has been done, the reason that the other minaret vibrates automatically after the other one is shaken is the “U-shape” structure of the building. There are also other points of view to this matter but the mystery is still unsolved.

Presently, no one except for the special guard is allowed to climb up the narrow spiral staircase in the minaret to open arched summit and shake the minaret. A bowl of water can be put over the tomb so that with the waves forming on the surface of the water you can actually see the vibration.

The whole iwan is decorated with Inlaid mosaics with wavy lines and polygonal azure tiles. Dark blue tiles cover the inner side of its arch. Over the years, this remarkable monument has aroused admiration in the heart of travelers.

Time of shaking minarets

The shaking minarets are responsible for the worldwide fame of Monar Jonban. Be careful!! Make sure to check the timing of it so you wouldn’t miss it.

Overview

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Kãkh-e Ãli Qãpou کاخ عالی قاپو

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 ‘Ālī (meaning “”imperial”” or “”great””), and Azerbaijani Qāpū (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 Baq Boulevard. The building, another wonderful Safavid edifice, was built by decree of Shah Abbas I in the early seventeenth 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 Nowruz (Iranian New Year) of 1006 AH / 1597 C.E.
Ali Qapu is rich in naturalistic wall paintings by Reza Abbasi, the court painter of Shah Abbas I, and his pupils. There are floral, animal, and bird motifs in his works. The highly ornamented doors and windows of the palace have almost all been pillaged at times of social anarchy. Only one window on the third floor has escaped the ravages of time. Ali Qapu was repaired and restored substantially during the reign of Shah Sultan Hussein, the last Safavid ruler, but fell into a dreadful state of dilapidation again during the short reign of invading Afghans. Under the reign of Nasir ol Din Shah e Qajar (1848–96), the Safavid cornices and floral tiles above the portal were replaced by tiles bearing inscriptions.
Shah Abbas II was enthusiastic about the embellishment and perfection of Ali Qapu. His chief contribution was given to the magnificent hall, the constructures on the third floor. The 18 columns of the hall are covered with mirrors and its ceiling is decorated with great paintings.
The chancellery was stationed on the first floor. On the sixth, the royal reception and banquets were held. The largest rooms are found on this floor. The stucco decoration of the banquet hall abounds in motif of various vessels and cups. The sixth floor was popularly called the Music Hall. Here various ensembles performed music and sang songs.
From the upper galleries, the Safavid ruler watched Chowgan (polo), maneuvers and the horse-racing opposite the square of Naqsh e Jahan.
The palace is depicted on the reverse of the Iranian 20,000 rials banknote. Actually, the palace is depicted on the reverse of the Iranian 20 rials banknote series 1953.

(Source: wikipedia.org)

Overview

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