Isfahan, the third largest city in Iran, is a beautiful city that is known for its glorious architecture and historic significance. It is located about 200 miles south of Tehran.
The city is known as Nesfe-e Jahan, which means “Isfahan is half of the world” — a nod to its incredible beauty and rich culture.
Visitors will not be disappointed with Isfahan, and there is a lot to see. The main square in the city, Naqsh-e Jahan (also known as Imam Square) — which translates as “pattern of the world” — was built in the 17th century and is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. The square is surrounded by outstanding monumental buildings, including Sheikh Lotollah Mosque and the Imam Mosque (Masjid-e Jam 'e Abbasi), which was known as the Masjid-e Shah (or Royal Mosque) prior to the Islamic Revolution.
On her trip to Isfahan in November 2015, Jean from London wrote on TripAdvisor about her visit to the city: “This square is the second biggest in the world and is absolutely magnificent. We spent a lot of time there. It has two mosques, a palace, a huge bazaar and so many shops and coffee places. We walked around a lot and met some fantastic local people with whom we spoke for hours. A really beautiful place to visit again and again.”
The 17th-century Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, located in the northern end of the Imam Square, is the best place to buy souvenirs, including handmade Persian handicrafts, tablecloths, enameled copper plates, mosaic tiles and rugs.
Masjed-e Jāmé (Jameh Mosque), also a UNESCO world heritage site, was the first Islamic building to adopt the four-courtyard layout that later characterized Sassanid palaces and Islamic architecture. It was built in 1642. If you've come to Isfahan for the history, Hotel Shah Abbasi may be a good place to stay. Built over 300 years ago and claiming to be the oldest hotel in the world, it is a popular choice among tourists and Iranians alike.
The river of Zayand-e Rood passes through Isfahan, and the 11 bridges that cross the river stand out as some of the city’s most beautiful and striking features. Allāhverdi Khan Bridge, known as “Si-o-seh Pol” (33 bridges) and Khaju Bridge built in 1650 are must-sees.
While in the city, you can also while away some time by visiting an old hamam — a traditional bath. Malek Soltan Jarchi Bashi is a good option and what's more, the place also serves traditional Persian food that visitors can enjoy before or after relaxing in the baths.
When the British travel writer Robert Byron, author of The Road to Oxiana, visited Isfahan in the 1930s, he rated it “among those rarer places, like Athens or Rome, which are the common refreshment of humanity.” Jean Chardin, a 17th-century French traveler, wrote that Isfahan “was expressly made for the delights of love.”
“The best time to visit Isfahan is during spring and fall, although the temperatures are comfortable year-round and it never gets too humid,” USA Today reported.
On her trip to Isfahan in November 2015, Jean from London wrote on TripAdvisor about her visit to the city: “This square is the 2nd biggest in the world and is absolutely magnificent.”We spent a lot of time there. It has two mosques, a palace, a huge bazaar and so many shops and coffee places. We walked around a lot and met some fantastic local people with whom we spoke for hours. A really beautiful place to visit again and again”
The 17th-century Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, located in the northern end of the Imam Square, is the best place to buy souvenir such as handmade Persian handicrafts, tablecloths, enameled copper plates, mosaic tile and rugs.
Isfahan is also home to “the oldest functioning hotel” in the world, according to Sasha Toperich, writing on Huffington Post. The Abbasi Hotel was built in the Safavid era (1501-1722) by the Sultan Husayn, and it was here that Toperich experienced some of Iran’s finest hospitality. “Everybody greets you with warmth,” wrote Toperich. “Iranian hospitality is phenomenal.”
“In the shop where I purchased souvenirs, the owner was so happy to have a customer from the U.S. that he offered me tea, cookies and sweets, eager to chat while his staff was wrapping the goods I had purchased. They made sure to do it slowly, so I could have time to experience these local delicacies with tranquility and have time to chat with their boss. ‘We love America and I hope we will be friends again. Please tell this to your friends when you go back,’ he said.”
‘One of the interests of mine and my wife during my state visit to Iran was paying a visit to Isfahan, and I am happy that Iranian officials arranged it for us,’ said Austrian President Heinz Fischer, who visited Iran in September 2015. “Isfahan has a lot to offer”.
Read more about Isfahan on The New York Times.
Going to Iran? Don’t miss the Top 10 Destinations
Interested in writing for IranWire?
Share your stories.
comments