The stunning Ali Qapu Palace is one of the most significant architectural heritage of Iran, which was built in Isfahan during the Safavid Dynasty in Isfahan. This construction is located on the west side of the royal Naqsh-e Jahan Square which is the second biggest historical square in the world and is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its cultural and historical importance. The name of Ali Qapu is an Azeri word which means “The Excellent Gate” and was used as the residence of the Safavid kings and the royal palace for official meetings.
The construction of Ali Qapu Palace was gradually developed and got completed to the current shape in about 70 years. With 48 meters’ height, Ali Qapu Palace seems to have 2 floors from the front side, 5 floors from the backside, and 3 floors from the lateral sides. But entering the construction, we will find out that it has 6 floors. The first three floors are vestibules with no ornaments and they were used as administrative offices where normal people could enter for their official affairs, and they are connected to the upper floors with spiral and stepped stairways covered with colorful tilework. The fourth floor is known for its terrace which is faced to the glorious Naqsh-e Jahan Square, and two of the top Iranian mosques the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Shah Mosque. It is said that Shah Abbas used to sit on this balcony to enjoy exploring the wonderful city of Isfahan, which was one of the top cities of the world during that time and watch polo games played on the Naqsh-e Jahan Square by the champions.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is situated on the eastern side of Naghsh-e Jahan square and the northern side opens into the Isfahan Grand Bazaar. This mosque was built during Shah Abbas time, and dedicated to his father-in-law, Sheikh Lotfollah, a prominent religious scholar and teacher who came to Isfahan at the orders of Shah `Abbas, and resided on the site, but was never involved in the mosque`s construction.

The Sheikh Lotfollah mosque is viewed by historians and visitors as one of the most important architectural projects built on Isfahan`s Square, prominent for its location, scale, design, and ornament. It represents the best example of architecture and tile work of Iran in the 17th century. The beauty of its buff dome fills visitors with enchantment. This mosque differs from all others in several respects.

The Shah Mosque also known as Jame Abbasi Mosque, Masjid Soltani and Royal Mosque regarded as a masterpiece of Persian architecture in the Islamic era. Located at the heart of the city of Isfahan, alongside of the Naqsh-e Jahan square. This mosque is considered one of the most important historical Mosques in Isfahan, which was built during the Safavid era under the rule of Shah Abbas the Safavid King. In terms of architecture, it is also the most important display of Persian architecture in Islamic era. This structure is the everlasting masterpiece in terms of architecture, tiling and carpentry. undefined In 1931 Shah Mosque was registered as one of Iran’s National Monuments. And was also registered as a UNESCO World heritage site along with Naqsh-e-Jahan square.

The Vank Church is one of the most beautiful and largest churches in the Jolfa vicinity of Esfahan. Its gilded ceiling, interior section of the dome and fine historical paintings are matchless. Internally, the walls are adorned with oil paintings that are also gilded similar to that of Iranian art.

Religious paintings revealing an Italian touch can be observed here. The founder of this structure was Shah Soltan Hossain Safavid. The cathedral was established in 1606, built by the hundreds of thousands of Armenians that were forcibly resettled by Shah Abbas I in his new capital as part of his scorched-earth policy in Armenia during the Ottoman War of 1603-1618.

It is one of the largest city squares in the world and an outstanding example of Iranian and Islamic architecture. Built by the Safavid shah Abbas I in the early 17th century, the square is bordered by two-storey arcades and anchored on each side by four magnificent buildings: to the east, the Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque; to the west, the pavilion of Ali Qapu; to the north, the portico of Qeyssariyeh; and to the south, the celebrated Royal Mosque. A homogenous urban ensemble built according to a unique, coherent, and harmonious plan, the Meidan Emam was the heart of the Safavid capital and is an exceptional urban realisation.

Also known as Naghsh-e Jahan (“Image of the World”), and formerly as Meidan-e Shah, Meidan Emam is not typical of urban ensembles in Iran, where cities are usually tightly laid out without sizeable open spaces. Esfahan’s public square, by contrast, is immense: 560 m long by 160 m wide, it covers almost 9 ha. All of the architectural elements that delineate the square, including its arcades of shops, are aesthetically remarkable, adorned with a profusion of enamelled ceramic tiles and paintings.