Tour of Esfahan

Isfahan is a historic and tourist destination in the center of Iran. This city is the capital of Isfahan province, as well as Isfahan County, where is an appropriate option for arranging tours. Following Tehran and Mashhad, Isfahan is the third largest and the third most populous city of Iran. In addition, Isfahan is ranked as the 165th most populous city of the world and the 9th populous city in Asia continent. Isfahan metropolis is the 18th most populous metropolis in the Middle East. The city had become the capital of Iran between 1050 to 1722 AC, it particularly experienced a period of boom in the 16th century during Safavid kingdom. There are numerous historic monuments in the city that some of them had been registered as UNESCO heritage sites. The city is famous for its beautiful Islamic architecture, covered bridges, mosques and its unique Minarets (minaret is a type of tower typically built into or adjacent to mosques). Hence, Isfahan has been attributed to the half of the world by the public culture. Isfahan and Rasht, as the first cities of Iran, have joined to the world's most creative cities network in December 2015, under the supervision of UNESCO. On the basis of UNESCO standards, a creative city is a city that benefits from its citizens' innovations and capabilities for urban sustainable development.

Naqsh-e Jahan square is a prominent sample of Islamic architecture. The city possesses 15 urban regions. Menar Jonban, Si-o-se-pol, Khaju Bridge, Chehel Sotoun Palace, Ali Qapu Mansion and many other historic buildings can be named as Isfahan historic monuments.

Large factories of Mobarakeh Steel Company and Esfahan Steel Company are obvious illustrations of active industries in Isfahan. Most of the gold workshops and the largest gold factories of the country are situated in Isfahan. Numerous handicrafts of Isfahan have long been one of the foundations of the city's economy.

Isfahan is one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in Iran which is ranked as the third most touristy city throughout the nation. You can find the reason of Isfahan's attraction while visiting the city, since it satisfies everyone with different tastes.

Some spectacular tourist destinations in Isfahan are introduced as the followings:

Fire Temple of Isfahan

Fire Temple of Isfahan is a historic hill made of sedimentary rocks that is located on a mountain with the same name, which dates back to Sassanid-era. Mehrbin Dezh or Mehrbin Fire Temple or Dezh-e Mehrbin is the original name of this archaeological monument which has been known as Fire Temple or Fire Temple Mountain. The building of the fire temple was made of clay and straw layers which is located at an elevation of 100 meters above its surrounding plains. Giant clay foundations of stairs carved in the rock, a round building and an octagonal room are all the remnants of this stunning historic building. It is quoted that Zoroastrian Mobeds (clerics of a particular rank) took care of the holy fire in the building. This structure was registered on national heritage list in 1951 which is located on Isfahan- Najaf Abad road.

Imam or Naqsh-e Jahan square

Imam or Naqsh-e Jahan square has been known as one of the most important historic complexes in Isfahan city. The square has a rectangular shape which is 560 meters in length and 160 meters in width that is situated in the center of Isfahan city. The square was built in Safavid era on the site of a garden named Naqsh-e Jahan that flourished during Safavid kingdom. In the subsequent periods, the square suffered from lack of attention and also experienced a recession. There are several historic monuments on the square's four sides such as Ali Qapu, Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque), Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Qeysarie Gate. Furthermore, there are also other beautiful historical elements around the square, as well as markets surrounding the square are still proper places for buying souvenir from Isfahan. This historic urban open space was registered as the first Iranian site on UNESCO world heritage list.

Ali Qapu

Ali Qapu is a glorious building that has been recognized as one of the most significant architectural masterpieces of the early 11th century AH. According to the existing relevant historical documents, during Safavid era, Ali Qapu had the role of a central gate and entrance for all the palaces situated in the proximity of Imam square. On the other hand, the mansion linked the square to some great buildings such as Rakib Khaneh, Teimouri Hall, Tavileh Hall, Indoor Hall, Chehel Sotoun Palace, and the other important buildings of that era. The foundation of the mansion was built during the kingdom of Abbas the Great and it was gradually completed during the subsequent periods. After Safavid dynasty, the mansion suffered from serious decay. Despite the destruction, there are still many beautiful decorations such as tiling and eye- catching paintings in this five- storey mansion which please your soul. The name Ali Qapu consists of the two words Ali and Qapu means the high lintel. This historic monument is located in the west side of Imam Square.

Chehel Sotoun Palace

Chehel Sotoun Palace is one of the most spectacular buildings with historical background in Isfahan which is over 67000 square meters in area. The palace is situated within a beautiful, picturesque garden that the primary building was constructed during Abbas the Great kingdom. The general modifications were made during Abbas II kingdom. Numerous elements were added later such as: Ayeneh Hall, Bist Sotoun Hall, the two large northern and southern rooms of Ayeneh Hall, Iwans on the sides of the kingdom hall, the large pool in front of the hall with all painting, tiling and mirror decorations on walls and ceilings. The palace is located in Imam Hosein square in Ostandari Avenue.

Abaasi Caravansary

Abaasi Caravansary, also known as the king's mother caravansary, has unique characteristics in terms of vastness, sustainability, beauty, and the quality of construction which lead the caravansary to be introduced  as the most beautiful on road caravansary. This splendid building is located in a 20 kilometers distance to north of Shahin Shahr and at the intersection of Kashan- Isfahan freeway and Delijan- Isfahan highway. The building, as a precious historic monument, has many unique features that you will definitely enjoy visiting.