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City in Isfahan province, Iran
Photo: en:User:Arad, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Isfahan (Persian: اصفهان, also known as Esfahan) is a city in central Iran, south of Tehran and is the capital of Isfahan Province. Due to its beautiful hand-painted tiling and magnificent public square, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Isfahan nesf-e jahan, Isfahan is half the world An ancient town and capital of Persia from 1598 to 1722, it has long been noted for carpets and for fine metal work. Today, textile and steel mills are also important. Its architecture, tree-lined boulevards and relaxed pace make it one of the highlights of Iran.
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Also known as shah square or imam square-1602 (Meidan Emam). The square contains two mosques, a palace, and the bazaar. The square is the largest historical public square in the world after Tiananmen Square in Beijing and it is a . The square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era, and souvenir shops. This a very popular place for locals to picnic on Friday and holiday evenings. When sitting on the grass locals will approach you to practise their English.
1596, dating from the Saffavid era, the avenue is the most historically famous in all of Persia. Although it's just a regular street nowadays.
called Shah Mosque before the revolution
Built during the Safavid period, it is an excellent example of Islamic architecture of Iran, and regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian Architecture. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its splendour is mainly due to the beauty of its seven-colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.
One of the architectural masterpieces of Safavid Iranian architecture, this mosque is considered to be the most beautiful in Iran. Built in 1602 by Shah Abbas I and designed by his chief architect, Sheikh Bahai. The mosque was designed to be a private mosque for the royal family and therefore it does not have any minarets. There is a tunnel from the mosque to the Royal Palace, across the square.
Started in AD 842, this is the first Islamic building to adopt the four-courtyard layout of Sassanid palaces.
One of the oldest mosques in Isfahan. Built by Shah Abbas II between 1656 and 1662. Located on the site of a 10th-century mosque. The portal was covered in mud until it was discovered in 1956.
The Royal Palace
Early 17th century. It is 48 meters high and there are seven floors, each accessible by a difficult spiral staircase. In the sixth floor music room, deep circular niches are found in the walls, having not only aesthetic value, but also acoustic. It is rich in naturalistic wall paintings by Reza Abbassi, the court painter of Shah Abbas I, and his pupils. There are floral, animal and bird motifs.
The Palace of Eight Paradises
1669, reportedly built for residence purposes of the king's harem. Set within lush gardens which are free to roam if you don't want to go inside the building.
The Palace of Forty Columns
1647. It is called Palace of forty columns, as there are many columns, and in Iranian, 40 means many. Incidentally, there are twenty columns, and these are reflected in the pool in front, which might also account for its name. The function of this palace was for holding religious-national ceremonies and royal festivals and for receiving royal ambassadors and guests. Its Persian Gardens are among the nine inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Contains some spectacular battle murals.
Ashraf Hall
1650. Not accessible for public.
House of Moshir Almolk
Built in Safavid era, Moshir al-Molk Palace is a historical European-style building. The first owners of the house were the family of Moshir al-Molk who were the Mostofis (finance ministers) and Monshis (secretaries) of Safavid court. Mirza Habib Allah Moshir al-Molk Ansari can be referred to as the most prominent figure in his family. He was assigned as the governor of Isfahan in Qajar era in 1288 AH (1841 AD).
With the death of Moshir al-Molk, the house turned into the consulate of Kingdom of Prussia. Later, it was purchased by Haj Hossein Charmi, an Isfahani businessman. Haj Mohamad Samaeian was the next owner of the building.
The distinctive features of the building include:
1. Having the largest 9-piece orosi in Iran
2. Having a garden with Chahar Baghi form
3. Having a howz with Chalipaei form
4. Having a private bathroom
5. Having two iwans with a deconstructivist style of columns
The Museum of Islamic Heritage is the most important museum in Iran in terms of preserving and displaying Islamic artifacts as well as researching Islamic collections of the world which covers various Islamic and historical periods.
The Bridge of 33 Arches
1602. This is one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design, beautiful whether there is water underneath it or not. There is also a basic eatery at the northern end.
Shahrestan Bridge
This is one of the oldest surviving bridges in Iran; the current version is from an 11th century (CE) renovation, but the foundations are centuries older.
Khaju Bridge
It is the finest bridge in the province of Isfahan and was built by the Safavid king, Shah Abbas II around 1650 CE. This structure used to be ornamented with artistic tile works and paintings. It served as a teahouse.
or Choobi
It is one of Isfahan's oldest bridges and was built in 1665, during the Safavid era.
Holy Savior Cathedral - Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ Վանք
17th-century Armenian cathedral. The interior is covered with fine paintings and gilded carvings and includes a wainscot of rich tile work. The delicately blue and gold painted central dome depicts the Biblical story of creation of the world and man's expulsion from Eden.
Bethlehem Armenian Church
Another interesting combination of Persian and Armenian religious architecture, this large church completed in 1627 is full of stunning paintings and frescoes. Behind Jolfa Square, less than 5 minute walk from Vank Cathedral.
باغ گلها
Botanical garden.
باغ پرندگان
Garden under a huge net with a lot of different birds, some locked in and some that you can walk among.
A Zoroastrian fire temple. This temple is dramatically set atop a rock on the outskirts of Isfahan and provides a commanding view of the city (although much of it is covered in smog). You can take one of the blue buses (ask at the drivers), which will take you there. Climbing it will be a challenge on flip-flops, impossible with them downhill.
falling apart due to neglect.
Popular picnic spot for locals. It's possible to climb up the mountain which will take about 3 hours return. Or catch a telecabin up for 200,000 rials at the lower chairlift station. Besides, there is a bowling underneath the telecabin station.
شمشاد
The small restaurant offers local Isfahan food like Beryani (110,000 rials) or Halim Bademjan (eggplant, 50,000 rials).
In this restaurant you sit on benches. The windows are colourful.
A famous restaurant with a very long history. Some waiters can speak English. Its lamb chop are reported as delicious.
modern café with fresh smoothies
One of the most popular cafés in Isfahan.
takeaway, reservations, outdoor seating, waitstaff, highchairs available, wheelchair accessible, free wifi
Narcis B&B is a fully fledged private guesthouse with two guest rooms available for up to 7 guests, bathroom featuring both Eastern and Western toilet, a large hall, a large living room and a small balcony, a kitchen with everything you may need if you decide to cook for yourself. You can also use the fridge. It's possible to order homemade or local food for lunch and dinner with little extra fee.
Howzak House has 5 rooms grouped around a central green and flourishing courtyard. There are two shared bathrooms and one kitchenette shared by our lovely guests. Seasonal and local breakfast is served in the courtyard from 08:00 until 10:00 and it varies every day. Howzak Boutique Hostel in Isfahan is a small and cosy house built more than 90 years ago in the historic neighborhood of Esfahan, a short distance away from the UNESCO-listed site Masjed-e Jame, the city’s magnificent Friday mosque. Before opening its doors to tourists and city visitors, Howzak House, had been privately owned by two generations of the Khanoum family: Goli Khanoum, who was the neighborhood’s girls’ teacher, and Malek Khanoum, who had lived with her five children in this house.
Annie Hostel is a friendly place for budget travelers. The owner and staff are backpackers and can speak English. From the hostel, you can walk 15 min to the city center. There are plenty of restaurants, fast food places and grocery shops nearby. They are flexible about their prices.
Seven Hostel
HI Isfahan Hostel is a Comfortable, Clean and Affordable, budget hostel in Isfahan, budget accommodation. Dorm. single&double bed room, Breakfast and Wifi included, shared bathroom
Khalvat Sara
Khalvat House is a 100-year-old antique house from Pahlavi dynasty with a beautiful garden and very tall trees. It is 8-minute walk from Naghsh-e-Jahan Sq. and main highlights of Isfahan. The manager of this B&B accommodation is vegan and offers the guests real Persian cuisine with 100% vegan ingredients. They usually hold events related to Persian customs and traditions.
A hostel in a traditional Iranian house, English-speaking staff with dorms, private rooms and a cafe.
Popular among backpackers due to the cheap prices. Rooms are a bit cramped but ok and bathrooms are mostly clean. Nice breakfast is included.
اقامتگاه بومگردی چیلا
A cozy and friendly hostel right in the heart of downtown. It's next to the Naghshe Jahan Square and near other sights.
Dibai House comprises a fully and scrupulously restored 17th-century Safavid historic mansion that with modern facilities. No smoking indoors. Price includes breakfast, and owner Sufi is extremely helpful with travel information.
Clean, modern and central.
Quiet, traditional khan-e-sonnati (Iranian traditional house). Five beautifully resorted Safavid-style rooms, some with bathrooms set around two garden courtyards. There is also a restaurant and free internet in this quiet area north of Imam Square.
Glass elevator. Some rooms don't have windows. Includes a pool with massage services at USD50/hour.
Built during the reign of King Sultan Hossein of Safavids about 300 years ago. King Soltan Hossein attributed this magnificent complex of building to his mother. That is why it is called "the school and caravansaray of Madar-shah" (which means king's mother). The hotel also has a nice restaurant and tea house in the courtyard.
Overlooks Zayandeh Rood River.
97 rooms and 4 suites.
Overlooks the river.
Isfahan is one of the main centers for traditional Iranian metalwork. Most pieces are copper or brass; some are decorated only by hammering, but most have engraving and some have enamel work.
By plane
Getting there: From the airport taxi costs 350,000 rials to the city centre (as of 2016).
By train
There is a night-train to Tehran and a daily train to Mashhad. There are no trains to Shiraz.
By car
Isfahan is well-served by highways. There are good routes to the capital Tehran, Kashan, Shiraz, Yazd and Ahvaz.
By bus
Isfahan is well connected to most parts of Iran by bus. There are several bus terminals in Isfahan and you should note which one is more suitable for you.
By bus
The easiest and the cheapest way of traveling inside of Isfahan is buying Isfahan card which is a multi-journey contactless card sold at certain bus stop booths.
By taxi
Short rides cost 50,000 rials, longer ones to Soffeh mountain and bus terminals - 100,000 rials (as of 2007). Taxi drivers will try to demand at least double of those prices at the beginning.
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