[IRAN] Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace

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Ali Qapu Palace was first built in 1597 as a residence for Shah Abbas I. It is located on the western side of Imam Khomeini Square, just opposite to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. It was originally a four-storey building with a veranda. Shah Abbas II expanded the palace and a music hall was constructed on the top of palace.


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Ali Qapu Palace is about 38m tall and has 52 rooms but most of the room are closed to visitors due to the long restoration works.


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Entrance to Ali Qapu Palace.


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Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is located directly opposite to the palace.


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The entrance fees is 150,000 rials.


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The development stages of Ali Qapu Palace throughout the years are being displayed here. During the first stage (1577), the initial building was cubical in two stories.


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The verandah with wooden ceiling was built around 1644.


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The fire place inside the palace.


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There are now seven floors in total and each floor is accessible by a narrow spiral staircase.


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View of the square from the verandah overlooking Shah Mosque. The royal family and guests could watch polo games and different ceremonies from the verandah.


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The wooden ceiling of the verandah was built on wooden columns.


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In the middle of the verandah, a pool covered with coppery sheets to irrigate the pool can be seen.


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This verandah was first built by rooms located in both sides of the aisle to make it look greater.


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Imam Khomeini Square’s layout can be clearly seen here.


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Music Hall is located on the sixth floor.


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The most unique plaster work has ornamented upper parts and the ceiling of Music Hall.


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Deep circular niches are found in the walls, having not only aesthetic value, but also acoustic.


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The different shapes, such as flower vases, dishes, plates and bottles can be seen inside the Music Hall. This ornamentation is a new invention of Safavid era. The palace is definitely worth a visit while visiting Esfahan.

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