Naghsh-e Jahan Square

Naghsh-e Jahan square in Isfahan, Iran

Naqsh-e Jahan square , at the time of Shah Abbas, was used for people to meet with their king and was considered the place in which polo-stick was played. Fireworks, lightings and ceremonies were made and held there too. Naghsh-e Jahan square in Iran is one of the world’s heritage sites registered by UNESCO. Naghsh-e Jahan square , also called Saltanati square , Shah Square and Imam square was built by the order of Shah Abbas one of the kings of Safavid period and was considered the biggest square in middle-east region at the time.

Let’s first watch this video about Naghsh-e Jahan Square . The music playing  in the movie background, is a traditional music of Iran’s.

To read a full guide of Isfahan for travelers, Click here >> Isfahan tourism <<

Naghsh-e Jahan square’s interesting facts

naghshe jahan plan

Some of Naqsh-e Jahan square ’s interesting facts are its

• Rectangular geometry and its direction according to the astronomical calculations
• .Rhone architecture of this structure/standing is Rone Isfahani
• The direction is northwest to southeast.
• The climate, the direction of the sun and wind blowing were also considered at the construction.

Monuments and buildings round the square

Naghsh-e Jahan square is situated at the center of the Naghsh-e Jahan historical complex and there are monuments built at all four directions of the square (Shah Mosque/Imam Mosque, Keisaria Gate, Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfallah mosque). There are 200 two-floor chambers round the square which are generally used for distributing handicrafts. Here, you can find out a few about these attractions:

 #1 Shah Mosque / Imam Mosque

At the south side of the square you have Shah Mosque also known as Imam Mosque, in Isfahan, is the pinnacle of Safavid period in Iran. Its artistic beautiful tile-work is a great feature to see.

-photo by @afur_photografur on Instagram

Also under the dome of Imam mosque there is an amazing acoustic feature!

#2 Keisaria Gate

It is situated at the north side of the square. The building was built a three-floor but the 3rd floor was ruined and currently wo floors are remained. The third floor was a kettledrum house and by the sound of music, hours of the day were announced. This portal opens into the Isfahan Grand Bazaar and was previously the main passage of Isfahan’s Bazaar.

The reason to name this monument Keisaria gate, is its similarity to one of the buildings of Keisaria city.

#3 Sheikh Lotfallah mosque

photo by @mrfeedoms on Instagram

At the east side of the square, Sheikh Lotfallah mosque was constructed by the order of Shah Abbas as his private mosque. It was named one of the most beautiful religious monuments of the world by Tamara Sonn. There is a significant feature differentiating this mosque with the other mosques of Safavid period which is its lack of minarets and courtyard.

#4 Ali Qapu Palace

At the west side there is a palace of 6 floors, with infrastructure of 1800 square meters and 34 meters in height from the square’s level. Each floor is designed by its special artistic decorations. The sound reflection at the entrance is a feature of the palace that would attract your attention and also the main music hall and its 53 rooms in order to be used as living rooms would be something you wouldn’t want to miss visiting.

Naghsh-e Jahan square opening hours

Open 24 hours

Naghsh-e Jahan square address

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