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.
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.
Entrance to Ali Qapu Palace.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is located directly opposite to the palace.
The entrance fees is 150,000 rials.
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.
The verandah with wooden ceiling was built around 1644.
The fire place inside the palace.
There are now seven floors in total and each floor is accessible by a narrow spiral staircase.
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.
The wooden ceiling of the verandah was built on wooden columns.
In the middle of the verandah, a pool covered with coppery sheets to irrigate the pool can be seen.
This verandah was first built by rooms located in both sides of the aisle to make it look greater.
Imam Khomeini Square’s layout can be clearly seen here.
Music Hall is located on the sixth floor.
The most unique plaster work has ornamented upper parts and the ceiling of Music Hall.
Deep circular niches are found in the walls, having not only aesthetic value, but also acoustic.
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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