Esfahan Things to Do Tips by Haali

Chehel Sotun

Chehel Sotun (Forty Pillars) was built by Shah Abbas II as a hall of audience for official functions.It's located within a spacious garden and counts among the finest examples of Safavid period (16th century) architecture, comprising a lofty 20 columned aivan, a mirror hall and several chambers on the North and South. The whole building is decorated with excellent frescoes, mirror tessellations and stucco carvings.the upper part of the large audience hall is covered with paintings showing such scenes as Shah Abbas feasting and Shah Ismail and Shah Tahmasp entertaining Homayoun the King of India. On the walls of the other rooms there are miniatures, portraits and works of eminent master artists of the period.

Aali Qapoo Palace

The Aali Qapoo Palace is located on the west of Naqshe Jahan Square. the name means The High Gate. It was used for the reception of the ambassadors and envoys from other countries. The six story building has numerous rooms. the famous Musicians Room contains elaborate cut-out plaster work depicting all manner and shapes of vases, although it is doubtful whether any could ever actually have been stored there.
The open balcony commands an excellent view of the square below and was an ideal spot for the royalty to watch polo, parades and fire work displays.