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isfahan sights
Naqsh e Jahan (Shah or Imam) SQUARE - Isfahan
 
Previously known as Naghsh-e Jahan square is a huge open space square, one of the largest in the world. Every Friday, outdoor praying services bring a large number of people to the square. You can find most interesting sights around the square. There are many interesting shops with different specialties line the square. During the day you can visit Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Ali Qapou Palace. You can Plan to see the square also at night when lights are lit up.
 
ALIQAPU PALACE - Isfahan
 
The six story palace built in 18th century was a place that Safavid rulers could watch the activities of the square from above. The palace is part of a large square where you can also visit Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque .Some of the decorations in rooms have deteriorated or have been destroyed but you can enjoy the beautiful fretwork in the shape of musical instruments in the music room on the top floor, and view of the square.
 
Shah or IMAM MOSQUE - Esfahan
 
This outstanding blue tile covered mosque is the trademark of Isfahan. Previously called The Masjid-i-Shah (King's Mosque). This magnificent tile work takes a different shade according to the light condition. The mosque has built in an angle to face toward Kaba (Mecca). It has a main double layered dome (54 m high) with twin minarets (42 m high). When you look at it from the courtyard, the minarets look taller than dome. It was built over a period of 26 years by Shah Abbas I (Safavid Period) in the early 17th century. The inner courtyard is surrounded by four halls. Underneath the dome, you see a few black paving stones, when stamped on you create seven clear echoes (go ahead and try it). In the courtyard look for the stone which shadow tells when noon is for prayer time.
 
SHEIKH LOTFOLLAH MOSQUE - Esfahan
 
It was built near 20 years period which was dedicated to Shah Abbas father-in-law, Sheikh Lotfollah, a holy preacher. It was decorated with best mosaics of 17th century era, the tiles of the dome changes color from cream to pink depending on the lighting. When enter the mosque, you see a peacock under the dome. During certain times of the day, the sunlight enhances the peacock's tail. By the tail, you can tell when noon is. When you go to the center of the mosque, the peacock disappears. Although it is a small mosque comparing to other mosques, it's worth visiting.
 
ChehelSotoon Palace - Isfahan
 
This palace was built as a reception hall during Shah Abbas I and II. It shows the finest examples of Safavid period (16th century) architecture. Name indicates the multiplicity, there are 20 columns and see the other 20 in the reflecting pool. It has a nice view at night if it is open. The small museum inside displays ceramics, pottery, old coins, and several Korans. The paintings on the wall (inside the museum) indicate the scenes from war squares and entertainment parties of Safavid Kings. Enjoy the beautiful 67,000 square meter garden, teahouse, and bookshop. Bookshop has good selection of books, booklets with photos of attractions and postcard.
 
VANK CATHEDRAL - Esfahan
 
Jolfa is the Armenian and Christian quarter of Isfahan which was established in 1603 during Shah Abbas I Safavid. Jolfa is on the south bank of the Zayandeh River and is linked to the Muslim part of Isfahan by Sio-se-pol bridge. The town of Jolfa on the Araxes River in Azarbaijan (now on Iran's northern border) at one time was the major Armenian settlement until Shah Abbas I imported Armenian families to new Jolfa in Isfahan. Today, Jolfa is a quiet suburb of Isfahan with predominantly Christian community. At the beginning of the 17th century in 1606 during Safavid period, work on the cathedral began. However, in 1655, this Armenian Church was rebuilt as the Christian community was rapidly growing in Isfahan. A tile work plaque inscribed in Armenian can be seen by the entrance to the cathedral. Inside is nicely decorated showing a mixture of Islamic and Christian style. Inside the courtyard, there is the belfry and can see the dome of the cathedral which the interior is painted in Persian style with very elegant blue and gold. The walls are painted of European inspirations showing scenes of martyrdom, notably of Saint Gregory. The museum of Armenian culture is the building next to the cathedral. The museum displays 700 handwritten books, the first book printed in Iran, a variety of objects related to Armenian community in Isfahan such as Safavid costumes, tapestries, European paintings brought back by Armenian merchants , embroidery, and other ethnological displays related to Armenian culture and religion. There are several carved stones showing scenes from the Bible outside the museum.
 
MANAR JOMBAN OR SHAKING MINARETS - Isfahan
 
Manar Jomban (Shaking Minarets) from the Safavid is very unique. If you shake one minaret, it will sway back and forth the other minaret. Minarets were previously closed due to research. It was open when we visited in 3/00. You go to the roof, and a guide will shake one minaret and you'll see the other one shake. Also, see tomb of Amu Abdolah from 14th century. There is a teahouse that you can experience traditional tea houses.
 
KHAJU BRIDGE - Isfahan
 
It was built about 1650 by Shah Abbas I as a dam. This very attractive bridge is 132m long (shorter than Sio se Pol). The bridge has two levels; the lower level regulates the flow of river by locks. There are remains of stone seats built for Shah Abbas I and his friends to sit and enjoy the view. Also, in the middle, a structure was built that was only used by Shah Abbas I. This is a wonderful place to visit at night. Have a cup of tea at the teahouse and enjoy the bridge and the river.
 
SIO SE POL (BRIDGES OF 33 ARCHES) - Isfahan
 
Sio se pol has 300m length and built in 1602. It is attractive and good for walking. Try to go for a walk at night. It has a marvelous view. When the river water is low enough temporary tea shops are set up underneath. It Links upper and lower halves of Chahar Bagh St. The bridge crosses Zayandeh River. Zayandeh Rud (River) is 360 km (216 mi) and carries water to the houses and gardens around the city. The river provides a pleasant climate in the city.
 
HASHT BEHESHT PALACE - Isfahan
 
Hasht Behesht means eight paradises built in 11th century, with impressive mosaics and fine moldings (under renovation). Enjoy the park with nice greenery and pool.
 
ATESHKADEH - ISFAHAN
 
Ateshkadeh is a Zoroastrian (fire temple) which is no longer in use is on top of a hill. You have to wear tennis or hiking shoes since you need to climb up the hill. Dating back to the Sassanian, you can view the city of Isfahan and Zayandeh River from top which is magnificent.
 
   
 
 
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