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A Living Legacy from the Umayyad Dynasty – Jameh Mosque

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Jameh Mosque is one of the oldest mosques located in the Isfahan province of Iran. Jameh Mosque was built during the period of Umayyad dynasty in Iwan architectural style. The original origin of the mosque was 8th century and it undergoes several renovations and additions on many times. As a result, the style of the mosque is a combination of Islamic and Pre-Islamic.

The four iwans are linked; at the centre is a large courtyard in open air which is the only sere+ne place in the vibrant city. The roofing system was supported by brick piers and columns which allow prayer hall to extend away from the courtyard on all sides. Jameh Mosque has majestic domes with charming interiors and the most important feature is the “bubble wrap” structure in the roof. The carvings on the wood and stone are mind blowing. The domes are adorned with amazing tiles.

The south side of the mosque has qibla which was vaulted with ornamented Islamic architecture called Muqarnas. This mosque is also famous for two brick domed chambers built during seljuqs dynasty. The mihrab was included in the south dome between in 1086 and 1087.

It was regarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Towards the southwest wing of the mosque is Grand Bazaar of Isfahan. Another feature of the mosque is urban integration as even situated at the center of the old city, the mosque shares its walls with other buildings out from its perimeter.

Due to several renovations throughout the years, this is a great place to see different style of architecture and various styled domes offer breathtaking views. The highlight in the building is four iwans on four sides.

Website: https://www.isfahan.ir/

Address: Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Majlesi St, Iran

Phone: +98 31 3445 6400

Opening Hours:

Tuesday6am–8pm
Wednesday6am–8pm
Thursday6am–8pm
Friday6am–8pm
Saturday6am–8pm
Sunday6am–8pm
Monday6am–8pm

Golestan Palace – A Majestic Showcase of Iran’s Imperial Past

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Tehran Golestan Palace is one of the most splendid attractions in Iran. Golestan Palace is fine example of Iranian architecture and pride goes to the architects. The Golestan Palace complex built during the hundred years rule of Qajar Kings, consist of palace, museum and hall. The Golestan Palace is used for many important celebrations like coronation and royal ceremonies.  This palace once serves as residence for certain kings of Iran. The three main archives in the palace are photographs, manuscripts and documents.

With royal buildings, gardens, luminous ponds and well-ornamented marble thrones this palace stands uniquely at the capital city.  It also has crafts collection from 18th and 19th centuries of Iranian and European adorned the palace. The marble throne adorned by painting, carvings and decorated using yellow marble, tile, mirror and wood found in the middle of the terrace was a great example of Iranian architecture. A marble throne in the terrace with pond and fountain at the middle is “Karim Khani Nook” which has less decoration than marble throne.  

The Golestan Palace comprises of numerous halls which were all famed for its brilliant mirror work, chandeliers, marvelous mosaic floors, oil paintings and plaster molding on the walls. Theses halls are Brilliant Hall, Diamond Hall, Salam Hall, Mirror Hall, Ivory Hall and Containers Hall. The Museum Hall in the palace contains some of the exciting paintings of Iranian painters, royal jewels and artifacts. The photographic archive has a main collection of 19th century photographs.

The Golestan Palace which was a 400 year old building was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 23, 2013. As it is in the capital city of Iran it receive many Iranian and foreign visitors every day. This unique palace is a source of encouragement for Iranian architects and artists till today.

Website: http://www.golestanpalace.ir/

Address: Tehran District 12 Fifth Khordad Avenue, Arg Sqr، Panzdah-e-Khordad St, Iran

Phone: +98 21 3311 3335

Golestan Palace Entrance Cost:

For Domestic visitors – 50,000 Rials

For Foreign visitors – 500,000 Rials

Opening Hours:

During Spring and Summer – 9.30 am to 18.30 pm

During Autumn and Winter – 9 am to 6.30 pm

A Heritage of Spiritual Tradition – The ZoroastrianFire Temple

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The Zoroastrian Fire Temple located in the province of Yazd, is the place of worship for Zoroastrians. This fire temple houses Atash Behram means “Fire of victory” dated to 470 AD. It is one of nine Atash Behram, which is the most elevated evaluation of fire that can be set in a Zoroastrian fire temple as an everlasting fire. The eternal flame is a quenched holy fire burning for thousands of years. The remaining eight Atash Bahram are present in India. This is the temple where Zoroastrians have practiced their religion since over 400 BC.

The Zoroastrian Fire Temple located at the centre of garden bounded by pine, cedar and cypress trees and is also having a pool at the entrance. The atmosphere of the building is serene which is perfect for relaxing. You can spot Farvahar at the stone columns of the main building, which is the symbol of Iran and Zoroastrianism.

The holy fire in a huge bronze furnace is kept behind the tinted glass in the temple. Only Zoroastrians are allowed to innermost shrine. Non Zoroastrian are allowed to view it from outside. From 1960, non Zoroastrian visitors are allowed in the temple. The fire in the Zoroastrian Fire Temple was taken from Bahram fire (fire of Sassanid kings).

The Zoroastrian Fire Temple was built in an architectural style of Achaemenid. The museum near the temple is the place where you can gather information about the life and ceremonies of Zoroastrian. Several art and photo galleries are also exhibited.

From Yazd Airport, the Zoroastrian Fire Temple is just 6km.

Address: Yazd Province, Yazd, Kashani Rd, No. خیابان, Iran

Phone: +98 35 3628 8386

Opening Hours:

Tuesday7:30am–9:30pm
Wednesday7:30am–9:30pm
Thursday7:30am–9:30pm
Friday7:30am–9:30pm
Saturday7:30am–9:30pm
Sunday7:30am–9:30pm
Monday7:30am–9:30pm

Dining and Delights at Tehran’s Tallest Building

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Milad Tower is the highest building in Tehran, Iran. This glorious tower stands at a height of 435 metre from ground to top antenna. At a total area of 154,000 m2, Mirad Tower has 12 floors with the shaft at 315 m. Mirad Tower with octagonal base is a multipurpose tower which includes five star hotel, convection centre of Iran, World Trade Centre and IT Park. The construction of Mirad Tower begins in the year 2000 and ends in 2007. The structure of the tower was designed by Iranian Architect Mohammad Reza Hafezi. Mirad Tower was opened for public on Oct 7, 2008 and is also a part of International Trade and Convention Center of Tehran. Milad Tower is considered as the 6th Tallest Tower and 24th Tallest Freestanding Tower in the World. The lobby structure consists of 6 floors of which 3 floors contain Food courts, Cafes and Trade Units. Visitors are dropped at the top of the tower through elevators available in three sides of the shaft. The top of the tower is a steel structure with 12 floors containing cafeteria, revolving restaurant, telecommunication centre and observation deck and a sky dome. The twelve floors of the tower are accessible via elevators. View from the observatory deck of the tower is breath taking, which offers the awesome view of whole city surrounded by mountains. At the observatory deck, you can take memorable photos. The revolving restaurant at the tower top, offers wonderful buffet and beautiful views.

The tickets for the tower tour are available in the tower. This tower has large parking space. From the ground to top, at every nock and corner of this tower is so clean. Milad towers which are lit up with colorful lights at night are amazing to watch.

Website: http://www.tehranmiladtower.ir/

Address: Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran

Phone: +98 21 8436 1000

Opening Hours:

Wednesday9am–11pm
Thursday9am–11pm
Friday9am–11pm
Saturday9am–11pm
Sunday9am–11pm
Monday9am–11pm
Tuesday9am–11pm

A Timeless Persian Landmark – Naqsh-e Jahan Square

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The historical site which comprises a Mosque, Palace and a Grand Bazaar on its area is Naqsh-e Jahan Square which was built between 1598 and 1629. Naqsh-e Jahan Square a UNESCO world Heritage site was located in the city centre of Isfahan. Naqsh-e Jahan Square was also called by “Imam Square and Shah Square”. At 160 metres width and 560 metres length this extraordinary Naqsh-e Jahan Square stands at an area of 89,600 metre square. This complex has lot of buildings which was built during safavid dynasty. Naqsh-e Jahan Square was once used as a polo field. Copious horse carriages are present on this site.

Shah Abbas who was once a king of Iran, decided to make Isfahan as a capital of Persia. So he made the intellectual building Naqsh-e Jahan Square with mosque, palace and bazaar. During his period he lived in Ali Qapu Palace and celebrated Nowruz (the Persian New Year) for first time.

Photo Credits – irannengintravel

The crown of the square was the Shah Mosque located on the south side. This mosque is having the city’s largest dome and is the best place for conducting Friday prayers. Sheik Lotf Allah Mosque on the east side of the square is the mosque of the royal court which does not have minarets.

Ali Qapu Palace on the west side is a six floored mosque with wide terrace on front. The royal reception and banquets are held on the sixth floor because this floor is having large rooms and stucco decorations which are so attractive. From the upper floor, the ruler of safavid dynasty watched horse race conducted on the square.

Isfahan Grand Bazaar is the oldest bazaar in Iran involved in selling carpets and kilim. Through the Qeysarie Gate on northern side, you can get enter into the bazaar. If you are hungry, there lot of food stalls and coffee shops in this bazaar selling Iranian delicacies. Isfahan Grand Bazaar is the largest bazaar in the Middle East.

Website: http://www.isfahancht.ir/MainFa.aspx?p=1

Address: Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

A Gateway to the Historic wonders – National Museum of Iran

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The National Museum of Iran (Archaeology museum containing 300000 museum objects) situated in Tehran is considered as the greatest treasure of the country. This museum has the biggest assortments of old and post-Islamic ancient rarities in the world. The National Museum of Iran was a 70 years old building.

The National Museum of Iran is a complex of two buildings that are the Museum of Ancient Art (first Iranian museum) and the Islamic Archaeology (study of human activity) and Iran’s Art Museum. These museums were established in 1937 and 1972. The National Museum of Iran has historical monuments collection which dating back to ancient and Iranian antiquities are pottery, coins, books, metal items and textiles.The National Museum of Iran has several research departments based on ancient periods and different archaeological topics like pottery departments, Coins and seals, carvings, stone and much more. As designed by French architects Andre Godard and Maxime Siroux the Museum of Ancient Art was a brick building at an area of 11000 square metres. The Museum of Ancient Art is a two floor building displays the collection of artifacts from Paleolithic period.

Photo Credit : irannationalmuseum.ir

The Museum of Islamic Era was built using limestone stands on the same ground of Museum of Ancient Art. It has three floors with some modern works on the interior. It also houses some potterys, artworks, textiles and calligraphy collection from post classical era of Iran. The ground floor of the Museum of Islamic Art involved in conducting temporary exhibitions for two or three times in year.

The exhibitions were about the relation and unity of past humans and also about animal species in Iran. The National Museum of Iran is one of the finest places to get knowledge about the ancient artifacts of the past Iranians from Paleolithic to ancient times.

Visiters can access the National Museum of Iran by using the metro stations of Hassanabad Square and Imam Khomeini Square.

ebsite: http://irannationalmuseum.ir/

Address: Imam Khomeini, St, at the beginning of Si Tir St., Prof. Rollen St, No.1

Phone: 021-670702061

Ticket Price:

Iranian Rials 100,000

Non-Iranian Rials 1/000/000

Opening Hours:

During Spring & Summer open daily from 9 am to 7 pm

During fall & winter open daily from 9 am to 5 pm

Marvel at 33 Elegant Arches – Siosepol Bridge

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An historical bridge in Iran which has lot of tourist attraction is Siosepol Bridge, it gets this name due to 33 arches in its structure. Siosepol Bridge (known as Si-o-se-pol) is also called as the Allah-Verdi Khan (Iranian General) Bridge. Siosepol Bridge is great tourist spot to photos on the night. This stone bridge has two rows of 33 arches built over the Zayande River. Bottom level has 33 arches while top level has 2 arches above lower lever arch and 1 arch above the pier.

Siosepol Bridge was 297.76 meters long, 14.75 meters wide and has the greatest span of 5.60 meters. It offers beautiful view of Zayande River, at different seasons. Siosepol Bridge is the largest bridge of eleven bridges in Isfahan. The bridge has a large plane at the beginning where Zayandeh River flows faster. Siosepol Bridge functions as both dam and bridge.

Siosepol Bridge was constructed under the rule of Shah Abbas (Persian Safavid king) between 1599 and 1602. Sheikh Bahayi who was genius in maths constructed this dazzling stone bridge under the supervision of Allah-Verdi Khan Undiladze who was Iranian general. This bridge connects the Muslim quarter on north with Armenian quarter (New Julfa) across the Zayande River. The art of work on the bridge is the pride for Iranian Architecture Some important ceremonies were held by Safavid kings on the bridge.

The road on the upper level of the bridge has walls on both sides which protects visitors from strong wind. Great place to take a long walk along the bridge. During night, this bridge was lit up with light, which offers perfect spot take photos. The shadow of arches with light is mind blowing and makes to think about how great the architects of Iranians are. This 17th century stone bridge is opened for public at full time.

Address: Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Enghelab Sq Chahar Bagh e Abbasi St، Iran

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Breathtaking Views and Outdoor Adventure at Sofeh Mountain

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Sofeh Mountain located on the south side of the Isfahan city is the fine place for trekking and climbing on the mountains. At 590 metres high from ground level climbing on the mountain takes about one and half hours to two hours. So be prepared for this great challenge, but views from the top of the mountain are mind blowing. Many locals of Isfahan take a trip to the place every day. Cable car facility is also available.  “Sofeh” is an Arabic word refers to “stone bench”.

It is believed that the mountain gets the name from mystic who lived in this mountain in 17th century. By sufis and muslim mystics it was used as shelter. Sofeh Mountain is made of limestone while the lower part is formed of Jurassic shale. During trekking you see a castle named Shah Dezh and two springs on the top. The foot of the mountain has a small zoo with few animals and birds. A beautiful park was made by combining Sofeh Mountain and surrounding hills which covers an area of 100 hectares.

The smaller range of Sofeh Mountains is seen at the southwest of Isfahan. The highest peak of the Sofeh Mountain is 2257 metres. Isfahan to Shiraz road passes to series of hills located on the eastern side of the mountain. The Sofeh Mountain offers a breathtaking view of the vibrant city Isfahan, especially at night. There are also some entertainment and restaurant facilities available at the spot.

Sofeh Mountain is very close to Isfahan city which takes only 7 minutes to reach by car.

Masterpiece of Armenian Architecture – Vank Chruch

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One of the largest and most popular churches in Isfahan which operates as Armenian Apostolic Church is Vank Cathedral which is also known as Holy Savior Cathedral and The Church of the Saintly Sisters. Historical paintings and decorations in this church attracts the people very well. The construction work of the church begins in 1606 and ends in 1664, under the supervision of Archbishop David. The Vank church is a great example for combination of Iranian and Armenian architecture (It’s an architectural works with an aesthetic or historical connection to the Armenian people).

The vank church structure includes lot of domes like in mosque and semi octagonal apse. The interior of the church was elaborately decorated with awe-inspiring tile work, gilded carvings and gold painted dome. It is also easy to spot Persian-style ornamentations with flowery patterns and bright colors on the ceilings. The armenians who built this cathedral are the forced resettlers of Shah Abbas I in his new capital.

Today Vank church is a great importance for Armenians, it also act as a center of communication between the Armenians of Isfahan and the southern provinces of Iran with the world. Pictures of Armenian martyrs being tortured by the Ottoman Empire featured at the lower band. The courtyard contains the graves of both Orthodox and Protestant Christians. Library and museum are opposite to the cathedral. The library contains more than 700 books which were written in European languages.

The museum contains artifacts related to the history of church and Armenian community in Isfahan. The Vank Church in the New Julfa district of Isfahan serves as a symbol for Armenians in Iran.

Website: http://www.vank.ir/fa/

Address: Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Vank Church Alley, Iran

Phone: +98 31 36243472

Opening Hours:

8.30am to 5.30pm daily

Mystical Sands of Varzaneh Desert

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Varzaneh is a desert village in the province of Isfahana showing the proof of 5000 years old civilization. The silent sand dunes of varzaneh tell about the desert life of Iranians and are truly mesmerizing. Due to the lack of humidity, the temperature sometimes falls below zero degrees Celsius during spring from January and February. Varzaneh is a most attractive tourist spot in Iran, where tourist get relax on the sands of desert. A knowledgeable tour guide will take to all spots in Varzaneh village.

Some of the attractions in the village are Ghoortan Citadel, Vrazaneh Jameh Mosque, Yusefi Traditional House, Salt Lake, Varzaneh Old Bridge, the Pigeon Tower, Gavkhouni Wetland, Camel Mill, Zayanderud River, Waterfalls and Hot springs. Camping under the stars in the desert gives a great night experience. There are lot of guesthouses and hotels in this Varzaneh desert village offering delicious dinner and lunch buffet.

Other enjoyments on Varzaneh desert are sand dune ride through 4WD cars, camel ride and mountain climbing. During summer, you must avoid the visit of Varzaneh desert from 11 am to 4 pm because the sand dunes are burning. The sunset on the sand dunes of Varzaneh desert, offers breath taking views for visitors and is perfect time to take photos. Varzaneh is the best place to buy hand weaved carpets and other handicrafts. Varzaneh is the only place in Iran which offers both historical and natural attractions for tourists.

For Varzaneh, lot of bus facilities available from Jey terminal of Isfahan which takes about one and half hours to reach. From Tehran, a bus to Harand town is available which is a very close to Varzaneh. From Harand town you can take some local taxis to reach Varzaneh.

Popular Activities: Camel-riding, Parachuting, Sand-boarding, Camping, 4WD Safari, Climbing on Mount Ergesht, Motor boating in Zayanderud River