Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street

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Sio-Se-Pol Bridge which is the longest historical bridge in Isfahan was built to connect the southern part of a street named Chahar Bagh to its eastern part.

Chahar Bagh Street is located on the south side of Sio-Se-Pol Bridge. It was once one of the most splendid streets in the world. It is 5km long and 47m wide.

Today, this street is a paved walking street with old leafy trees planted along the street which creates an extraordinary view.

Madar-i-Shah, a complex placed on this street, consisting of a Caravanserai, a Bazaar and a School. The Caravanserai and The Bazaar were dedicated to the school and school expenses were provided in this way. The school of Chahar Bagh was built in Iranian Islamic architecture, which was built under orders of Shah Sultan Hossein Safavi. It is a two-story school in a way that the lower chamber rooms were devoted to religion lessons and the upper ones for mathematics, medicine and astronomy lessons. Today, this school is in the hands of the Islamic seminary.

Next to Chahar Bagh Street is Shahid Rajaee Park; Seating in the middle of the park, is Hasht Behesht Palace which was built during Shah Suleiman Safavid time. The palace beautiful gilded mosaics and mirror works will catch any tourist’s eyes.

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Isfahan Municipality

Isfahan, a self-sufficient metropolitan city in every field. An encyclopedia of Iranian and Islamic arts and architecture. A great collection of historic monuments.

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Chehel Sotun Palace

Chehel Sotun is a pavilion in the middle of classic Persian garden. Built by Shah Abbas II to be used for his entertainment and receptions

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Hasht Behesht Palace

The small Hasht Behesht Palace is the most luxuriously decorated palace in Isfahan.

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Bazar-e Honar

One of the oldest bazaar in Isfahan with a dazzling array of exquisite jewellery. Closed to Abbasi Hotel and Chahar Bagh School.

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Chahar Bagh School

A theological and clerical school to train those who were interested in such sciences with the collection of the most beautiful tiles in Isfahan.

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Abbasi Hotel

The oldest hotel and an unrepeatable heritage in Isfahan architectural style.

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Farshadi Stream

The oldest stream (Madi) in Isfahan.

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Shahrzad Restaurent

One of the best traditional restaurant with traditional foods.

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Madi Niasarm

The longest Madi (stream) in Isfahan.

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Si-o-She Pol Bridge

The longest bridge on Zayandeh River with more than 400 years old.

Isfahan Bazaar

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Whether on a single day business trip or a 5-day holiday, the grand bazaar of Isfahan is a must for every visitor. You can go for a short walk in the main pathway of the bazaar and get a glimpse of the colours, scents, tastes, architecture and the people of the bazaar so you have a story to tell with a couple of selfies and probably some souvenirs. However, if you can afford, in terms of time, you can spend the better part of a day to stroll down every pathway of the maze of alleys, traveling back in time form late 17th century (Safavid era, when the new Meydan or Square was built) to late 11th century (Seljuk era, when the old Meydan or Meydan Kohneh was constructed). Only the people who work in the bazaar can find their way to their exact destination, so do not even try not to be lost. Indulge yourself in what the centuries-old bazaar has to offer. The lively atmosphere of the shops and shoppers, the gleaming handicrafts, the music of the hammers and copper plates mixed pleasantly with the strong hum of the crowd under the arched roofs. Heavenly light penetrates here and there from the centre of the arches giving the floating particles a magical slow-motion effect. Whether you are here for colours, for music, for history, for photography or just her for a new experience with new people and culture, this place is the right place. Perfect for humans-of-newyork style photography. A rainbow selection of spices for gastro lovers. A tour of the old bazaar of Isfahan is a complete package in itself. Given that it’s located adjacent to the Naghsh e Jahan Square with its significant historical monuments it gives you the false impression that the visit is doable in one day which might not be the best thing to do.

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Location

From:

Jameh Mosque, Isfahan, Iran

To:

Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. Isfahan, Iran

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

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naqsh-e jahan square view

(Nᴂghsh-e Jᴂhãn; نقش جهان)

Naqsh-e Jahan Square or as the Iranians would call it, the pattern of the world, shows the splendor of the fifth safavid king, Shah Abbas the great. Shah Abbas 1 and his head architect Ali Akbar Esfahani changed the city structure and expanded the city to the river. Another one of these expansions was designing and building the Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square) as a symbolic square (the pattern of the world) with representatives of the four main pillars of power.

four main pillars of power in world square

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jameh abbasi Mosque

On the southern side of the square stands the great portal of the Jameh Abbasi Mosque (Imam Mosque) that represents the people and the popular.

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Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque

There is The Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque as the religious pole of the square on the eastern side.

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Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu Palace is a representation  of the government.

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Qeysarie Bazaar

Qeysarie Bazaar is the economical pole on the north side of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

Qeysarie Gate

What is the greatest square in the world?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square has been standing for more than 400 years. The arena of this magnificent square is 83500 square meter. As a matter of fact, Naqsh-e Jahan Square has a bigger area than most famous squares of the world.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square among all the great squares in the world; place des Vosges, the French architecture masterpiece, La piazza San Marco in Venice, the Plaza Mayor de Salamanca in Spain, and … has a different characteristic and a unique “language” of architecture.

History of Naqsh-e Jahan Square until today

The purpose of this Safavid Art

Throughout the history, the square has been used for performing all kinds of festivals, parades, and ceremonies such as; national, governmental and popular ceremonies. Also this is a square just about perfect for a game of polo. The stone goal posts still exist in north and south ends of Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

Polo and horse riding are two of the ancient Persian sports mixed together, played not only for leisure, but also as a display of bravery of men in wars. The royal household would watch the games from the balcony of Ali -Qapu Palace. Apart from this, some executions took place in Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

For the present, Naqsh-e Jahan Square or Imam Square is still used for performing ceremonies and parades on special occasions. There are Traditional shops all around the square for you to explore. Also, Carriage rides are a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

The historic center of Isfahan: on the UNESCO World Heritage List

UNESCO has recognized Meidan Emam as a world heritage site of culture in 1979. As you Walk among this square, it somehow makes you feel as if you are walking through the mystic past.

Overview




Location

Naghsh-e Jahan Sq., Isfahan, Iran

Price

Free

Explore Naqsh-e Jahan Square on these Suggested Tours

Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge

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The historical Si-o-She Pol bridge is the largest hydraulic structure in Iran. It is 295 m long and 14 m wide. The construction of this bridge dates back to Safavid era. Shah Abbas the first ordered the building of this bridge.

Set on the zayanderood river, this bridge connects the northern part of Chahar Bagh Abbasi street to its southern part. Actually, this was the main role of the bridge in the first place. The reason behind its being the longest bridge is that it was constructed over the widest part of the river.

Si-o-Seh is the number 33 in Farsi/Persian. It was named after its defining feature which is the 33 arches it has over the river. This bridge is also famously known as Chehel Cheshmeh Bridge and Allahverdi Khan Bridge.

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 12 AM – 11:59 PM

Location

Enghelab Sq., Chahar Bagh e Abbasi St., Isfahan, Iran

Price

Free

Explore Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge on these Suggested Tours

Khaju Bridge

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Khaju Bridge was built on the order of Shah Abbas the second in 1650. This bridge is the only decorated bridge with Haft-Rang (polychrome tiles) tilework in Iran. Khaju Bridge is 137 m long and 12 m wide. The word Khaju is derived from the word “Khajeh”. “Khajeh” is the title used for the members of the court who were close to the royal family. This group of courtiers used to live near this bridge. This resulted in naming of the Khaju Bridge. Khaju Bridge is also known under the names: Jesre Hasan, Baba Roknoddin, Gabr-ha

Khaju Bridge Gives You the Impression of a Moving Boat

The top storey of this double decker bridge was used for caravans to pass over. The covered corridors were used by pedestrians. When someone looks down on the stone foundations (which are in triangle shape) and sees the flowing water it gives them the impression of being on a moving boat. This feature is for the reason of helping the water to pass through the bridge in case of a flood. The lower storey were only used by pedestrians. In the middle there are two alcoves called “Shahneshins”. They are located in the middle of the eastern and western side of the top storey. Each Shahneshin is a large room overlooking three balconies. The balconies are adorned with paintings from the Qajar and Safavid era. 

Stone Lions with A Face of a Warrior

There are two stone lions on both sides of the bridge, these statues were brought here from Takht-e Foulad cemetery. They were originally used as tombstones of warriors who were martyred on battlefield. Inside the mouth of each stone lion a face of a warrior is carved. There are carved shapes of gymnastic apparatuses and warfare equipment such as: shield, bow, mace and sword.

Unequal sluices of Khaju Bridge

 The 21 sluices on the lower part of the bridge are different in size compared to each other. This intentional design is for the reason of increasing the resistance of the bridge against water flow. it is worth mentioning that the size difference is in no way random. Moreover, there are in harmony and rhythm to prevent the damages that may happen in case of a flood. Also, the sophisticated hydraulics structure is designed to slow down the water flow.

Arthur Upham Pope Tomb

Arthur Upham Pope was an American expert on archeology and Iranian art. He was renowned orientalist of Islamic industries who compiled and edited six volumes of ‘’ A survey of Persian art’’ with his wife. during his studies of Iran, Pope made twenty trips that strengthen his love for Iran.  He came to Iran with his wife, Phyllis Ackerman, in 1925 A.D. Pope passed away from a heart attack in Shiraz. He was transferred to Isfahan according to his will and testament. He was buried near Khaju Bridge. Eight years later his wife died and was laid next to him there. The architecture features of the tomb is a combination of the Sassanid and Samanid dynasties.   

Professor Arthur Upham Pope expressing his passion for Iran

he had stated that ‘’the whole point is to show the Iranian people that great sprits, artists, poets, creative leaders and scholars are not of such quality as to evoke the profound admiration of a kindred spirit in other hands, who affirm their gratitude and devotion with more than words, and to affirm to visitors from other countries that one is not interred in Iran by accident of dying there, but with the conviction that it is a privilege for those who understand and use it as a final resting place, as a witness to their faith in the land and the great personalities that have through the many centuries made it what is it and, at the same time, prophesize a more noble future…l  submitted my corpse to Iran’s land for the sake of love of Iran and yielded my heart to Iranians.’’

Overview

Opening Hours

7/24

Location

Kamal Smaeel St. Khajou Sq., Isfahan, Iran

Contact

–

Price

Free

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Imam Mosque (Jame Abbasi Mosque)

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( Masjed-e Jãme Æbbãsi مسجد جامع عباسی)

Originally named Jame Abbasi, the elegant mosque, with its iconic blue-tiled mosaics and its perfect proportions, forms a visually stunning monument at the head of Esfahan’s main square. Unblemished since its construction 400 years ago, it stands as a monument to the vision of Shah Abbas I and the accomplishments of the Safavid dynasty. The mosque’s crowning dome was completed in 1629, the last year of the reign of Shah Abbas.
Although each of the mosque’s parts is a masterpiece, it is the unity of the overall design that leaves a lasting impression, and the positioning of the much-photographed entrance portal is a case in point as it has more to do with its location on the square than with the mosque’s spiritual aims. The portal’s function was primarily ornamental, providing a counterpoint to the Qeysarieh Portal at the entrance to the Bazar-e Bozorg. The foundation stones are white marble from Ardestan and the portal itself, some 30m tall, is decorated with magnificent moarraq kashi (mosaics featuring geometric designs, floral motifs and calligraphy) by the most skilled artists of the age. The splendid niches contain complex stalactite mouldings in a honeycomb pattern; each panel has its own intricate design. Work began on this magnificent monument in 1611 and took four years to complete; deliberate mismatches in its apparent symmetry reflect the artist’s humility in the face of Allah.
Although the portal was built to face the square, the mosque is oriented towards Mecca, so a short, angled corridor was constructed to connect the square and the inner courtyard, thereby negating any aesthetic qualms about this misalignment. Inside the courtyard, there is a pool for ritual ablutions and four imposing iwans. The walls of the courtyard contain the most exquisite sunken porches, framed by haft rangi (painted tiles) of deep blue and yellow. Each iwan leads into a vaulted sanctuary. The east and west sanctuaries are covered with particularly fine floral motifs on a blue background.
The main sanctuary is entered via the south iwan. It is worth finding a quiet corner here to sit and contemplate the richness of the domed ceiling, with its golden rose pattern (the flower basket) surrounded by concentric circles of busy mosaics on a deep blue background. The interior ceiling is 36.3m high, but the exterior reaches up to 51m due to the double layering used in construction. The hollow space in between is responsible for the loud echoes heard when you stamp your foot on the black paving stones under the centre of the dome. Although scientists have measured up to 49 echoes, only about 12 are audible to the human ear – more than enough for a speaker to be heard throughout the mosque. The marble mihrab and minbar (pulpit of a mosque) are also beautifully crafted.
The main sanctuary provides wonderful views of the two turquoise minarets above the entrance portal. Each is encircled by projecting balconies and white geometric calligraphy in which the names of Mohammed and Ali are repeated almost ad infinitum. To the east and west of the main sanctuary are the courtyards of two madrasehs. Both provide good views of the main dome with its glorious profusion of turquoise-shaded tiles.

(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) 31 3222 2174

Price

200,000 Rls

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Jameh Mosque

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(Mᴂsjed-e Jãme, مسجد جامع)

The Jameh complex is a veritable museum of Islamic architecture while still functioning as a busy place of worship. Showcasing the best that nine centuries of artistic and religious endeavour has achieved, from the geometric elegance of the Seljuks to the more florid refinements of the Safavid era, a visit repays time spent examining the details – a finely carved column, delicate mosaics, and perfect brickwork. Covering more than 20,000 sq metres, this is the biggest mosque in Iran. This mosque was added to UNESCO’s world heritage list in 2012 (Read More…).

Religious activity on this site is believed to date back to the Sassanid Zoroastrians, with the first sizeable mosque being built over temple foundations by the Seljuks in the 11th century. The two large domes (north and south) have survived intact from this era but the rest of the mosque was destroyed by fire in the 12th century and rebuilt in 1121. Embellishments were added throughout the centuries.

In the centre of the main courtyard, which is surrounded by four contrasting iwans (a rectangular space, walled on three sides, with one end entirely open), is an ablutions fountain designed to imitate the Kaaba at Mecca. Would-be pilgrims once used the fountain to practise the appropriate rituals prior to undertaking the hajj. The two-storey porches around the courtyard’s perimeter were constructed in the late 15th century.
The south iwan is highly elaborate, with Mongol-era stalactite mouldings, some splendid 15th-century mosaics on the side walls and two minarets. Behind it is the grand Nezam al-Molk Dome, which is flanked by Seljuk-era prayer halls.

The north iwan is noteworthy for its monumental porch with the Seljuks’ customary Kufic inscriptions and austere brick pillars in the sanctuary. Behind it (entered through a door next to the iwan) is a prayer hall featuring a forest of pillars. The bricks of each of these pillars is decorated with the craftsman’s signature trademark. At the rear of the north iwan is the exquisite Taj al-Molk Dome, widely considered to be the finest brick dome in Persia. While relatively small, it is said to be mathematically perfect, and has survived dozens of earthquakes without a blemish for more than 900 years.

The west iwan was originally built by the Seljuks but later decorated by the Safavids. The mosaics are more geometric in style here than those of the southern hall. The courtyard is topped by a maazeneh, a small raised platform with a conical roof from where the faithful used to be called to prayer.

The Room of Sultan Uljeitu (a 14th-century Shiite convert) next to the west iwan is home to one of the mosque’s greatest treasures – an exquisite stucco mihrab with dense Quranic inscriptions and floral designs. Next to this is the Timurid-era Winter Hall (Beit al-Shata), built in 1448 and lit by alabaster skylights.

(Source: lonelyplanet.com)

Overview


Opening Hours

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

Location

Majlesi St. Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 3134456400

Price

200,000 Rls

Explore Jameh Mosque on these Suggested Tours

Madrasa Naseriyeh

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There is a madrasa (Islamic seminary) on the corner of the southeast of the Imam Mosque named (Naseriyeh) which was built in the late reign of the first Safavid king (Shah Abbas I) or in the early reign of Shah Safi but with regard to available epigraphs, its tiling and inscriptions go back to the reign of the second Safavid king (Shah Abbas II).

In the southern Iwan (a veranda) of the seminary, There are some epigraphs which one of them is in black Thuluth calligraphy (a kind of Islamic calligraphies) on a yellow background which has been written by the famous calligrapher named Mohammad Reza Imami and its script is Salavat (blessings of God) upon fourteen infallible persons and dated 1077 AH. Around the Mihrab (a place in the mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca) of this veranda, there are some verses of the Holy Quran with the same date and the signature of the above-mentioned calligrapher.

The design of the tiles around the yard of the madrasah has been decorated with blue color and the names: Mohammad (the Prophet of Islam) and Ali (the first Shia leader) which have been written in Bannai Kufic ( a kind of Islamic calligraphy). The term (Infallible figures) is a title chosen by Shiite Muslims to call their grand fourteen personalities including the Prophet Mohammad, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (Prophet’s daughter) and the twelve divine leaders. In some traditions, the Shia believe fourteen infallible persons to be the very household of the Prophet Mohammad.

There is an epigraph inside the Mihrab written in white Thuluth calligraphy on a tile with a bluish background during the reign of Shah Suleiman Safavi. This epigraph consists of some sayings of the Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) dated 1905 AH and the autograph of Mohammad Hassan Imami. Since the seminary was repaired during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, it is called Naseriyeh. The madrasah Naseriyeh has eight rooms located in the southeast angle of the seminary.

The rooms used to be dormitories or classrooms in winter. It has two verandas located in the northeast and the southwest angle. The embellishments used in the madrasah are tiling, Muqarnas ( a type of decoration composed of series of niches embedded within an architectural frame), carving and inscription.

In different eras, there were some prominent scholars who used to study and teach in this madrasah.

Madrasa Naseriyeh free friendly talks schedule
Language Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
English 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 1 pm — 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm
French 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 1 pm — 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm
Spanish 9 am – 4 pm — 9 am – 4 pm — — 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm
Arabic 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 1 pm — 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm
Other Language Please send your request for check availability

Note:

  • 1 hour from 1 pm – 2 pm is breaking time. You can see congregational prayer at this time in “Shabestan” of mosque

You can ask Madrasa Naseriyeh to set any type of technical meeting or any other information related to Islam and Iranian religious via:

Email: info@naseriyeh.com

Telegram: @naseriyeh1

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Overview

Islamic prayers in Chinese


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM

Iran holiday is close.

Location

Madrasa Naseriyeh, Eastern angle of the Imam Mosque, Naqsh-e Jahan Sq. Sepah St. Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 3132225868

(+98) 9906151309

Price

Free

Jolfa (The Armenian quarter)

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Shah Abbas I, who moved his capital to Isfahan, ordered a colony of Armenian Christians from the town of Julfa (now on Iran’s northern border), to move to the village ‘New Julfa’ in Isfahan.

Shah Abbas ensured that Armenian religious freedom was respected. Now, Jolfa district Isfahan holds a prosperous community. Armenians are permitted to hold their own religious ceremonies and activities. The symbiont circle between Muslims and Christians has been standing for more than four hundred years.

Jolfa square is located on the southern side of Zayande-e rood river. It is connected to the other side of the river by Marnan Bridge. Actually, one of Armenian’s architects renovated this bridge.

The Armenian built 25 churches, of which 13 survived. Among all the jolfa churches, Bethlehem (1628) and Vank (1655) are open to visitors.

One of the main attraction in Jolfa is the Vank Cathedral. The Jolfa Vank Cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture. Construction of this cathedral started at the time of Shah Abbas the second. Vank Cathedral is known for holding unique collections of beautiful frescos. They depict stories from the holy bible and Tora. They were painted by Armenian artists during safavid era which you can see as soon as you move into the passage and enter the prayer hall read more.

In Bethlehem church, the prayer hall is decorated with paintings depicting stories from old and new Testaments. There is also a high double layer dome with floral gilded patterns.

Nowadays, 5 of Armenian merchants’ houses, from the Safavid-era, have been converted into Art University of Isfahan.

New Julfa Isfahan has not only a laidback atmosphere, but also a unique setting which is full of life and youthful vibes. Take your time exploring it on foot, but don’t forget to sit back and relax. Plus, there are lots of caffes for an evening tea and dinning places for a night out.

Vank Cathedral in Jolfa Destrict

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 12 AM – 11:59 PM

Location

Jolfa, Isfahan, Iran

Price

Free

Explore Jolfa on these Suggested Tours

Hasht Behesht Palace

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Once the most luxuriously decorated palace in Isfahan, the interior of the small Hasht Behesht Palace has been extensively damaged over the years, but it retains some spectacular details, including a superb stalactite ceiling with delicate painting. The same keyhole plasterwork seen in the Kakh-e Ali Qapu is featured on a small scale here too. The soaring wooden columns on the palace’s open-sided terrace are almost as tall as those still growing in the parkland that frames it. (Source: lonelyplanet.com)

It is located in the center of “Shahid Raja’I” park and it is the only remaining pavilion of the over forty palaces alongside Isfahan’s main boulevard: Chaharbagh. It is only a few minutes walk from the great .Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

Overview


Opening Hours

Daily Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM

Location

Hasht Behesht Steet, Chahar bagh Street, Isfahan, Iran

Contact

(+98) 31 3222 5958

Price

150,000 Rls

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