Ali Gholi Agha Hammam

Ali Gholi Agha Hammam and Museum

Ali Gholi Agha district is surrounded by a Bazaar, a Zorkhaneh (ancient Persian gym), a Mosque, and the Ali Gholi Agha Hammam (bathhouse) with its special features. This complex was built during the reign of Shah Sultan Hossein the last Safavid king.

Ali Gholi Agha and his brother Khosro Agha were two well-known benefactors in that time. Ali Gholi Agha had no children, as a result he decided to build this bathhouse for his neighborhood and the people around him.

Hammam-e Ali Gholi Agha is one of the few Hammams that has still survived from the late safavid-era. Hammams were usually used by both gender at different hours, but there is an exception to this Hammam. This Hammam had two parts where men and women could attend at the same hours of the day each in their own section.

As soon as you enter Hammam-e Ali Gholi Agha you will notice the impressive work of the ceiling which is designed in a way to make it possible for the light to come through the pits and yet if someone would have looked through them, they could not have seen anything from the outside.

Ali Gholi agha Hammam is divided into four main sections

Miandar which was the entrance of the bathhouse. It was specially designed in an angular way to keep the steam and the heat inside the bathhouse.

Sarbineh or the dressing hall was a place for gatherings, discussions and even prayers. therefore, there were benches surrounding the perimeter of Sarbineh elevated by a few steps above the central pool where visitors could lounge.

Garmkhaneh (Thermal House) was the main washing area with some small underground labyrinthine tunnels that carried the smoke of the fire to warm the place.

Chahar houz was the main swimming pool at the center. This pool is four times a regular swimming pool and that is why they call this part Chahar houz meaning ” four pools”.

The Hammams were the first and the last places to which the caravan people would go both on their arrival in the city and when exiting it to make themselves clean and ready to hit the road.

Overview

Opening Hours

From 21 March To 22 September: 8:30 AM – 14:30 PM and 15:30 PM– 18:00 PM

From 23 September To 20 March: 8:30 AM – 13:30 PM and 14:30 PM– 17:30 PM

Location

Bid Abadi St, Masjed Seyyed St, Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 31 3337 5777

Price

300,000 Rls

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Abbasi Hotel

Abbasi Hotel

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

  • TripAdvisor
Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM

Location

Amadegah St, Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 31 3222 6010

Price

Free

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Mardavij Pigeon Tower

Situated among houses of Isfahan, in the middle of a square named Borj, there is a unique pigeon tower. The architecture of the pigeon tower represents the work of experienced architects of ancient Iran. The pigeon tower is regarded as one of the largest ones with a most perfect pattern of this type. The towers were built for the purpose of attracting pigeons to them so that they would nest in the towers.

Pigeons could fly comfortably inside the towers. Their droppings, which contain considerable amounts of elements like nitrogen, were collected in the tower and then used for farmlands that used to be located around the pigeon towers. Nitrogen in pigeon droppings has an efficient role in the growth of plants and vegetables.

Pigeon towers were constructed in an impenetrable way that could shelter the pigeons from predators. The small size of the entrances holes, 7 centimeters by 7 centimeters, on the top of the tower were to prevent large birds such as hawks, owls or crows from entering the tower.

A white and slippery circular band made of plaster gypsum about 80 to 100 centimeters wide covers around the base of tower over mud and straw to prevent the creeping up of a snake on the shaft of the tower to enter through the pigeonholes on the top of the tower.

Do not miss the opportunity of visiting this unique pigeon tower.

Overview





  • TripAdvisor

Opening Hours

Outdoor 7/24

Indoor 8 Am-12 pm

Location

Mardavij Pigeon Tower, Azadi Ave, Hezar Jerib Ave, Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) –

Price

It’s free but you can pay tip if you want.

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Monar Jonban

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.

10:30 AM

12:00 PM

1:30 PM

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Overview

  • TripAdvisor
Opening Hours

From 21 March To 22 September: 9 AM – 6 PM

From 23 September To 20 March: 9 AM – 4 PM

Location

Atashgah Blvd, Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 3137716066

Price

200,000 Rls

Shaking minarets time

10:30 AM

12:00 PM

13:30 PM

15:00 PM

16:00 PM

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Vank Cathedral

Vank Cathedral in Isfahan

Vank Cathedral History

Vank Cathedral is located in Kelisa Alley-Nazar-e Sharqi Street. This street is a part of the Armenian district of Isfahan, Jolfa. In 1606, it used to be only a prayer hall. Then, in 1655, it was renovated to Vank Cathedral with its high double layer dome. The numbers of these two years are inscribed on a tile work on top of church’s gate.

The oldest church in Iran is the Surp Sarkis Mother Cathedral in Tehran. Among the two famous churches, Bethlehem church is older than Vank cathedral in Isfahan.

Unique Characteristics

The Vank Cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture. Construction of this cathedral started at the time of Shah Abbas the second. Vank Cathedral architecture is a combination of Iranian and Armenian architecture. That is why when you first arrive at this old church, you will see that this cathedral is the only one to be built with indigenous materials like clay and brick. Certainly, it is a way to show the mixed culture and the symbiont circle that stood for four more than 400 hundred years in Jolfa.

Vank Cathedral Paintings

As soon as you move into the church’s passage and enter the prayer hall, you are faced by:

  • The unique collections of beautiful frescos: they depict stories from the holy bible and Tora. Armenian artists painted them during safavid era.
  • The magnificent tile works with gild adornments.

These characteristics are what make this Isfahan Armenian church different. Khajeh stepanusian paid for the most of the expenses of these glorious paintings. Vank cathedral paintings are bold and painted onto the walls with such precise lines.

Written Words on a Hair Piece in the Vank Cathedral Museum

The two-story museum on the northern part of the courtyard contains exhibits of some of the earliest books ever printed with one of the first printing devices in Middle east.

 Other Interesting Valuable Items in This Museum are:

  • Carved wooden crosses
  • Proclaim dishes
  • Old holy books
  • The smallest scripture in the world
  • A short piece of hair, measuring only about 0.004-inch-thick, with written words on it in Armenian which is visible through a microscope.

Important Monuments

  • The symbolic April 24th memorial.
  • There is a library with more than 10,000 books next to the museum.
  • The gravestones in this Cathedral belong to priests, Russian and British consults, politicians, doctors, and people who contributed to the process of building and completing the church.

You can find Vank Cathedral opening hours and entrance fee below.

Overview




Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 8:30 AM –  6:30 PM

Location

Vank Church alley, Jolfa District, Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 3136243471

Price

500,000 Rls

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Ālī Qāpū Palace

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


Opening Hours

From 21 March To 22 September: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
From 23 September To 20 March: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Closing Days in 2019

26 May
4 June
9 September
10 September
27 October

Location

Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. Sepah St. Imam Hossein Sq. Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 3132222173

Price

200,000 Rls

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Atiq Square

Atiq Square or Atigh Square or Kohneh Square or Old Square, in Persian:(میدان عتيق or میدان کهنه) was a focal point of the city of Isfahan for centuries. In the eleventh century when Isfahan was the capital of the Seljuk dynasty, it was the main square and the chief centre of the business and social life of the city. It was an important central focus of the city until Naqsh-e Jahan Square was laid out in the 17th centenary. But even at that time, the Kohneh Square preserved its importance as the centre of the city’s minor activities. With the Jameh Mosque on the north, Qeysarieh Bazaar on the west, Harun Velayat Mausoleum and the Ali Mosque on the south, and the Seljuk palaces on the east, the Kohneh Square served as a prototype for majestic Naqsh-e Jahan Square that Shah Abbas I created in its vicinity.
(Source: wikipedia.org)

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 12 AM – 11:59 PM

Location

Imam Ali Square, Isfahan, Isfahan Province

Price

Free

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Chehel Sotun Palace

Kakh-e Chehel Sotun

Built as a pleasure pavilion and reception hall, using the Achaemenid-inspired talar (columnar porch) style, this beautifully proportioned palace is entered via an elegant terrace that perfectly bridges the transition between the Persian love of gardens and interior splendour. The 20 slender, ribbed wooden pillars of the palace rise to a superb wooden ceiling with crossbeams and exquisite inlay work. Chehel Sotun means ‘40 pillars’ – the number reflected in the long pool in front of the palace.
The only surviving palace on the royal precinct that stretched between Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Sq and Chahar Bagh Abbasi St, this Safavid-era complex is reputed to date from 1614; an inscription uncovered in 1949, however, says it was completed in 1647 under the watch of Shah Abbas II. Either way, the palace on this site today was rebuilt after a fire in 1706.
The Great Hall (Throne Hall) is a gem, richly decorated with frescoes, miniatures and ceramics. The upper walls are dominated by historical frescoes on a grand scale, sumptuously portraying court life and some of the great battles of the Safavid era – the two middle frescoes (Nos 114 and 115) date from the Qajar period but the other four are original. From right to left, above the entrance door, the armies of Shah Ismail do battle with the Uzbeks; Nader Shah battles Sultan Mohammed (astride a white elephant) on an Indian battleground; and Shah Abbas II welcomes King Nader Khan of Turkestan with musicians and dancing girls.
On the wall opposite the door, also from right to left, Shah Abbas I presides over an ostentatious banquet; Shah Ismail battles the janissaries (infantrymen) of Sultan Selim; and Shah Tahmasp receives Humayun, the Indian prince who fled to Persia in 1543. These extraordinary works survived the 18th-century invasion by the Afghans, who whitewashed the paintings to show their disapproval of such extravagance. Other items, including Safavid forebear Safi od-Din’s hat, are kept in a small museum.
The palace’s garden, Bagh-e Chehel Sotun, is an excellent example of the classic Persian garden form and was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list (Read More…). An ancient fallen pine resting on a plinth gives a sense of the great age of the garden. The polished noses of the lions on the standing water spouts at the head of the decorative pool hint at this being a favourite spot for a photograph of the garden’s perfect symmetry. Art students have set up a calico shop at the garden’s entrance selling Iran’s popular printed fabric.

(Source: lonelyplanet.com)

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM

Closing Days in 2019

26 May
4 June
9 September
10 September
27 October

Location

Sepah St., Imam Hossein Sq., Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 31 3222 0181

Price

200,000 Rls

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Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Punctuating the middle of the arcades that hem Esfahan’s largest square, this study in harmonious understatement complements the overwhelming richness of the larger mosque, Masjed-e Shah, at the head of the square. Built between 1602 and 1619 during the reign of Shah Abbas I, it was dedicated to the ruler’s father-in-law, Sheikh Lotfollah, a revered Lebanese scholar of Islam who was invited to Esfahan to oversee the king’s mosque (now the Masjed-e Shah) and theological school.
The dome makes extensive use of delicate cream-coloured tiles that change colour throughout the day from cream to pink (sunset is usually the best time to witness this). The signature blue-and-turquoise tiles of Esfahan are evident only around the dome’s summit.
The pale tones of the cupola stand in contrast to those around the portal, which displays some of the best surviving Safavid-era mosaics. The exterior panels contain wonderful arabesques and other intricate floral designs that have become a signature motif of Esfahan; especially fine are those displaying a vase framed by the tails of two peacocks. The portal itself contains some particularly fine muqarnas (stalactite-type stone carving used to decorate doorways and window recesses) with rich concentrations of blue and yellow motifs.
The mosque is unusual because it has neither a minaret nor a courtyard, and because steps lead up to the entrance. This was probably because the mosque was never intended for public use, but rather served as the worship place for the women of the shah’s harem. The sanctuary or prayer hall is reached via a twisting hallway where the eyes become accustomed to the darkness as subtle shifts of light play across deep blue tilework. This hallway is integral to both the design and function of the mosque because it takes the worshipper from the grand square outside into a prayer hall facing Mecca, on a completely different axis.
Inside the sanctuary, the complexity of the mosaics that adorn the walls and the extraordinarily beautiful ceiling, with its shrinking, yellow motifs, is a masterpiece of design. The shafts of sunlight that filter in through the few high, latticed windows produce a constantly changing interplay of light and shadow that enrich the space and give a tangible quality to empty air. The mihrab is one of the finest in Iran and has an unusually high niche; a calligraphic montage names the architect and the date 1028 AH.

(Source: lonelyplanet.com)

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 9 AM – 12:30 AM, 2 PM – 6 PM

Location

Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. Sepah St., Imam Hossein Sq., Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 3132225486

Price

200,000 Rls

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Isfahan Music Museum

The Isfahan Music Museum is the first private one of its kind in Iran. The Museum was founded by two passionate Iranian musicians of the traditional music, Mehrdad Jeihooni and Shahriar Shokrani. It was inaugurated on the 2nd of December 2015.

Achievements of the Isfahan Music Museum so far:

  • In 2016, the Museum obtained the first grade on the index for technical principles and physical standards from ICOM (International Council of Museums) IRAN.
  • In the same year the Museum received the title of Best Privately Organized Museum in the country from the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran.

Over 300 traditional Iranian instruments

Your English/French tour guide will walk you through the different sections of the museum. You can see the way some instruments are played and listen to the sound they make with the help of media and audio display.

live Iranian traditional music performance

Hall of national instruments

This hall contains many of the instruments from all around Iran. Here you can get information about these instruments and listen to the sound they make with the help of media and audio display.

Hall of regional instruments

This separate showroom contains local Iranian instruments from different parts of the country. The tour guides will tell you about Iranian regional music and you can listen to the different musical traditions of Iran with the help of media and audio display.

The home of Iranian traditional music

This room of the museum is dedicated to the memory of some great musicians of Isfahan. Their biographies are presented. You can get a general understanding of the lives of these famous musicians who have had important influence on Iranian music.

The instrument factory

This is an opportunity for you to learn first-hand about the manufacture of traditional Iranian instruments and see the different parts that compose them.

The home of music

At the end of the guided tour, you can witness a live musical performance. After the performance, you can try different Persian musical instruments yourself.

Café

As you arrive, you enter through the back yard area which you are faced by a lightening sigh of a café. You can sit there, order drinks to rest and relax after your tour has finished.

The gift shop

If you are looking for souvenirs, gifts and music related accessories, you have come to the right place. The gift shop offers a wide variety of musical themed gifts such as traditional music albums, musical instruments, mugs and so on.

(Source: isfahanmusicmuseum.com)

 

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM

Location

No.74, Mehrdad St.(Shahid Ghandi),Tohid St. Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 3136256912

(+98) 9131146899

isfahanmusicmuseum.com

Price

750,000 Rls

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Chahar Bagh School

Chahar Bagh School

The Chahar Bagh School is the last magnificent monument built in Safavid era (1704 to 1714) during the reign of King Sultan Hussein. The school was part of a huge complex including Caravanserai (Now it is Abbasi Hotel) and Bazaar (Now it is Bazaar-e Honar, one of the most important gold market in Isfahan).
The name of Chahar Bagh School is Due to its location in Chahar Bagh Street, however, other names such as Soltani School and Madar Shah (Shah’s Mother) School have also been mentioned.
The architecture is in accordance with the climate of Isfahan and is designed based on four seasons (four iwans); in warm seasons, the southern iwan and in the cold seasons the northern iwan were used.
The building of Chahar Bagh School has two floors; Religious courses were taught in first floor and mathematics, astronomy and medicine courses were taught in second floor.
The school includes a large central courtyard in the center and four small yards around the center. The central courtyard with a large pool in the center and lots of trees, makes the interior of the school stylish. The middle pond of the courtyard is supplied with Madi Farshadi (Farshadi Stream).
Visitors have the opportunity of visiting the most beautiful tile collections in Isfahan.
In addition, given the mandatory use of Chador for women while visiting the school, it is an opportunity for them to experience Chador as a kind of Hijab, and touch this Iranian religious culture.

Overview



Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM

Closing Days in 2019

26 May
4 June
9 September
10 September
27 October

Location

Chahar Bagh Theological School. Chahar Bagh e Abbasi St. Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 031 3222 9227

Price

150,000 Rls

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