Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu mansion is a beautiful mansion with unique decorations in the heart of Naqshe Jahan of Isfahan. This beautiful mansion has witnessed many historical events and suffered much damage in these events and remains stable.

On the western side of the Naqshe Jahan square and facing the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, there is a magnificent building called Ali Qapu. The Ali Qapu Mansion of Isfahan was built during the Safavid period and has been expanded and changed in different periods. This mansion is one of the most important architectural masterpieces of the early 11th century AH.

The palace consists of three floors that each floor divided into two floors, so in fact, this mansion has six floors. It is interesting to know that each side of this palace is different on its floors. You can see two floors from the east side view, five floors from the western side, and three floors from the sides of the mansion. This mansion has a large porch that includes several high pillars and a copper pond.

The history of the Ali Qapu Palace

Abbas the Great transferred the Safavid capital from Qazvin to Isfahan between 973 and 977. He ordered the construction of a building as the headquarters and state government of the Sultan of Safavid. The Ali Qapu was the entrance of the Safavid state government, which at first had a simple structure. The Ali Qapu was the pattern of the central gateway and the entrance of the palaces built during the Safavid period in the Naqshe Jahan. This mansion expanded day by day due to the expansion of the capital and an increase in urban population. In the final stages of the development of this palace, the music room and the porch created. At the final stage, the columns of the porch and the wooden ceiling constructed for the porch, as well as the royal staircases also built to provide a link to this part.

In the later periods of the Safavids, the palace was forgotten and brought much damage. During the Qajar period, this mansion was the residence of Zell-e Soltan (king of Isfahan) in Isfahan for several years. The attack on Afghans and various wars and the transfer the capital of Isfahan and the disregard of the rulers of Safavid caused the damage to the mansion.

Mansion architecture

This palace made of many decorations. Some of these decorations have become a masterpiece of architecture. Some of the decorations used in this palace as follows: Stucco, Qashani, Muqarnas, Persian miniature, Painting.

The music room has been used as a unique decoration that separates it from the other parts of the mansion.

The Muqarnas used in this mansion is very spectacular and has become a masterpiece of architecture.

• What is the best time to go?

The beauty of Isfahan will double in the spring. The best months to travel to Isfahan are May and June. This palace is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm.

• Getting there?

If you want to go to this Palace by public transport, you can use the following ways:

Bus: To reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square, you should use the buses on the square of Imam Hussain (AS) - the Ghadir Gardens of the East Terminal, or Imam Hussain Square (AS) - use the Hasht Behesht of the Khorasgan Terminal and get off at the Imam Square Station.

Metro: The best and nearest station is Imam Hossein Square. Then you can reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square by taxi.