Naghsh-e Jahan square in Isfahan

Naghsh-e Jahan square in Isfahan

Esfahan attractions, Iran tourist attractions

Naghsh-e Jahan( Naghshe Jahan) square  also known as Imam Square or Meidane Imam (formerly Shah Square) is the main attraction of Isfahan & inscribed by UNESCO World Heritage Site. Naghshe Jahan is the Royal square of Esfahan during the Saffavid period (until 1722). Naghsh-e Jahan means "Picture or Image of the World" in Persian language, is an urban phenomenon & showcase of glory of Saffavid Islamic Dynasty which makes every visitors who takes an Iran tour certain that Isfahan was the capital of powerful kings in Iran not too long ago. Naghshe Jahan square is the first place to see while visiting Isfahan and it is full of International & domestic tourists throughout the year. 

Esfahan, Naghshe Jahan

History of Naqsh-e Jahan Square

The Meidan Emam is a public urban square in the centrer of Esfahan, a city located on the main north-south and east-west routes crossing central Iran. It is an example of the form of naturally vulnerable urban architecture. The Shah Abbas, Iranian Saffavid king, who reigned from 1587 to 1628, chose Esfahan as his Capital, moved from the first Capital of Qazvin, which he magnificently embellished & remodeled. The center of the city was accented by a vast Royal Square ( Meidan-e Shah), which was so beautiful and so large. At 512 m long and 163 m wide, this immense space is the second-largest square on the earth, only after Mao Zedong's severe Tiananmen Sq in Beijing. Now Naghsh-e Jahan square is now inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square was designed as home to the finest jewels of Safavid Empire; the incomparable Masjed-e Shah, the supremely elegant Masjed-e Sheikh lotfollah and the indulgent and lavishly decorated Ali Qapu Palace and Qeysarieh Portal. The square has changed little since it was built, and at each end you can still see the goals posts used in regular polo games 400 years ago. It is surrounded by two-story row of shops, reflecting architecture style of Safavid Era. During the day the square was a place for trade, full of sellers’ tents. On evenings, when the sound of bargain vanished, the square turned into entertainment site with jugglers, acrobats, dervishes and curious citizens. 

Esfahan, Naqsh-e jahan

Surrounding buildings:

Ali Qapu Palace

One of the most eye-catching buildings in the Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the Ali Qapu Palace, located on the west side, inviting you into the world with its exquisite appearance. The mansion is 48 meters high and 6 stories high with spiral staircases. The monument was built by Shah Abbas I and after the transfer of the Safavid capital from Qazvin to Isfahan to be used as the seat and government of the Safavid monarchs. The excellent construction of Ali Qapu Palace continued during the five stages of architecture and during the successors of Shah Abbas I, especially Shah Abbas II and King Solomon, and became more beautiful day by day. The most spectacular part of this chalet is the top floor, which is known as the Music Room or the Sound Room and features various instruments. The magnificence of the building lies in its miniatures, which are the work of renowned Safavid artist Reza Abbasi and have given a special effect to this work.

Isfahan Ali Qapu Palace	Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

The sheikh Lotfollah mosque is considered as the masterpiece of Islamic architecture & tile works constructed by the behest of shah Abbas I. It took about 18 years to build, and after many years, it is still an astonishing masterpiece in the use of color and light in architecture. One of the wonders of this building is the peacock, which is designed in the inner center of the dome and its feathers are complemented by light from the top arch at the entrance of the mosque.

Isfahan Sheikh Lotfollah mosque	Sheikh Lotfollah mosque in Isfahan

Imam Mosque

The Imam mosque( Emam Mosque) , also known as the Mosque of Shah, Soltani and Jame Mosque, is considered to be the most important historical mosque in Isfahan and one of the most important Islamic architectural monuments in Iran. It is a unique masterpiece of 11th century AH architecture, tiling and carpentry, which began in the t is a unique masterpiece of 11th century AH architecture, tiling and carpentry, which began under the command of King Abbas, in the twenty-fourth year of his reign, and its decorations and extensions continued until his successors.

Imam Mosque in Esfahan

Qeysarieh Portal

In the past it had 4 floors, but after the demolition of one of the floors, only two floors remain today. It was used to be music room, administrative & trading offices & the lower floors used to be shops. 

Isfahan Bazaar

Isfahan bazaar is one of the biggest and most beautiful Bazaars in Iran & located in Naghshe Jahan Square, hence, it is one of the most privileged Bazaars of Iran in terms of tourism.

Esfahan Naghsh-e Jahan Square

What is the best time to go?
You can enjoy the beauties of Isfahan during the Spring. Late March till late May is the best time to visit the Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
 
Getting there?
Naqsh-e Jahan Square is placed on the downtown if Isfahan. It is possible, to reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square via public transportation as follows paths:

• Bus: To reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square, you should use the buses on the square of Imam Hussain - the Ghadir Gardens of the East Terminal, or Imam Hussain Square - use the Hasht Behesht of the Khorasgan Terminal and get off at the Imam Square Station.
• Metro: The nearest station is Imam Hossein Square. Then you can reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square by taxi.

To know more about Esfahan, please visit our Isfahan Travel Guide page. for any request do not hesitate to contact our Tour operator.