Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan is perhaps the most prominent one among the Tourist Attractions in Isfahan and it is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Located at the center of Isfahan city, Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan is surrounded by buildings which date back to the Safavid era. It has the Shah Mosque on the south side, Ali Qapu Palace on the west side, Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque on the eastern side and the Isfahan Grand Bazaar on the northern side.
Ali Qapu Palace is actually a pavilion that marks the entrance to the vast royal residential quarter of the Safavid Isfahan. It is one of the finest of the Safavid edifices and it was built in the early seventeenth century on the order of Shah Abbas the Great. The emperor used to entertain the noble visitors and foreign ambassadors here. Ali Qapu Palace contains naturalistic wall paintings by Reza Abbassi, the court painter of Shah Abbas I and his pupils. The chief contribution of Shah Abbas II was given to the magnificent hall, built on the third floor. The 18 columns of the hall are covered with mirrors and its ceiling is decorated with magnificent paintings. Royal reception and banquets were held on the sixth floor. The stucco decoration of the banquet hall is rich with motifs of various vessels and cups. The sixth floor was popularly called the music room as artists performed music and songs here. The Safavid rulers used to watch polo games, maneuvers and horse-racing below in the Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan from the upper galleries of Ali Qapu Palace.
Imam Mosque stands on the south side of Naqsh-e-Jahan Square in Isfahan.
Built during the Safavid period, it was built in 1611. An excellent example of Islamic Architecture in Persia, the mosque is famous for its seven-color mosaic tiles and valuable inscriptions.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is situated in the eastern part of the Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan. It was built in 1615 by the orders of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty. It was dedicated to Sheikh Lotfollah, the father-in-law of Shah Abbas and also a holy preacher. The architect or ‘mimar’ of the structure was Muhammad Reza ibn Ustad Hosein Banna Isfahani.
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| Tourist Attractions in Isfahan |
The Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan
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The Imam Mosque, Isfahan |
Isfahan Royal Square, Isfahan
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Vank Cathedral, Isfahan |
Chehel Sotoun Palace, Isfahan
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Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan |
Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan
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Shaking Minarets, Isfahan |
Atashgah, Isfahan
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Masjid-i-Shah, Isfahan |
Si-o-Se Bridge, Isfahan
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Khajou Bridge, Isfahan |
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