About Iran: Isfahan

Cyrus the Great's 6th century BC summer capital

	On its fertile plain, blessed by a temperate climate and watered by the Zayande Rud river, the 17th-century Persian capital Isfahan is unquestionably one of the world's great cities, and a UNESCO-designated Centre of Cultural Heritage. It lives up to its historic name, 'Half the World'. Visitors never fail to be captivated by the beauty of its ceramic domes and lavishly decorated mosques, and it is said of Isfahan's countless medieval monuments that "the more you behold them, the more they will surprise and fascinate you." Imam Mosque - One of the most breathtaking Islamic monuments in the world. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque - a shimmering mosque with amazing ceramic work, built in 1617. Aliqapou Palace - The 17th-century palace of Shah Abbas Safavi, with its curious ornamentation. Vanak Church - A Christian cathedral with lavish interior similar to a Persian mosque. The 'Shaking Minarets' - With two mysterious towers which oscillate together when a visitor sways inside them. Sassanian Fire Temple - The ruins of a Zoroastrian, part-Mongol edifice. Khajou Bridge - A magnificent structure with two tiers of arches built in 1650. Friday Mosque - A building typifying nine centuries of Iranian sacred architecture, with vaulted arches, stucco carvings, and a marble pool. Chehel Sotoun - ('The Forty Columns') a Safavid palace with a delightful pavilion supported by twenty columns, which double to make the legendary forty when reflected in the water. Inside are important murals, mirror mosaics and an exquisitely decorated wooden roof. Hasht Behesht Palaces - An attractive 17th century palace with wooden columns set in a delightful garden. Isfahan Bazaar – A typical eastern bazaar.
Tehran  Hamadan  Kashan  Isfahan  Yazd  Shiraz  Kerman     -   back to map