"Shah Mosque" Esfahan by Sambawalk

Esfahan Travel Guide: 336 reviews and 991 photos

Shah Mosque

Esfahan is located on the main north-south and east-west routes crossing Iran, and was once one of the largest cities in the world. It flourished from 1050 to 1722, particularly in the 16th century under the Safavid dynasty, when it became the capital of Persia for the second time in its history. Even today, the city retains much of its past glory. It is famous for its Islamic architecture, with many beautiful boulevards, covered bridges, palaces, mosques, and minarets. This led to the Persian proverb Esfahân nesf-e jahân ast: "Esfahan is half of the world".

The Naghsh-e Jahan (or Imam) Square in Esfahan is one of the biggest city squares in the world and an outstanding example of Iranian and Islamic architecture. It has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city also has a wide variety of historic monuments ranging from the Sassanid to the Safavid dynasties. Remaining Islamic architectural sites were built from 11th to the 19th century while older pre-Islamic monuments date back to 1000 B.C.

In Esfahan, Iran, a bus driver took extra miles to drive me, after dropping off all passengers, to the train terminal just because I am his friend from foreign land. Iranians are so proud of their country and make visitors welcomed by always greeting "Welcome to Iran! Welcome to my country!". Where else on earth do people care of foreign visitors, except for the time they try to make tourists money?

It is a nice city to stay for at least 3-4 days. Go and enjoy it.

Last visit to Esfahan: May 2008
Intro Updated Aug 9, 2008
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Reviews (23)

Train - From Esfahan to Tehren Transportation (1)

I took overnight sleeper in 6 pax compartment from Esfanhan to Tehren, the other direction is available. It cost... more travel advice

Bazaar Qaisarieh Shopping (1)

On the north side of the Imam Square lies the Bazaar Qaisarieh (Great Bazaar). The gateway to the bazaar, built in the... more travel advice

Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) Things to Do (14)

The Chehel Sotun palace was built as a reception hall by Shah Abbas II in 1647. It is set in the old royal park between... more travel advice

Having tea under Si-o-se Pol bridge - Esfahan

Tea house under Si-o-se Pol bridge Things to Do (14)

The Si-o-se Pol (Persian: سی وسه پل, pronounced [siː oˈseh pol],[1]... more travel advice

Hotels (3)
See All Nice view but not cheap

Restaurants (4)
See All A cup of tea over Imam Square in Esfahan

Comments (2)

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Durfun Nov 18, 2010 at 1:41 AM

Great pages on such a historic city.
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picek May 28, 2010 at 6:06 AM

Great page on great place... if it wasn't so far I'd visit Esfahan already, but now I can only read about it like before. Well, seeing pictures sooth my curiousty a little... about that legendary city.