Khaju Bridge is arguably the finest bridge in Esfahan. It was built by Shah Abbas II around 1650. It served as both a bridge and a dam, spanning across Zayandeh River. While Si-O-Seh Pol is the longest bridge on Zayandeh River. These two bridges are the most popular bridges among the eleven bridges across Zayandeh River.
First, I visited Khaju Bridge.
This bridge links the Khaju quarter on the north bank with the Zoroastrian quarter across Zayandeh River.
It has two levels of terraced arcades, with the lower level containing locks regulating water flow.
However, during our visit, the river bank seemed to have all dried up. It looked more like a field than a river.
Apparently, a dam was built and the water no longer flows through here.
Khaju Bridge has 23 arches and is 133 meters long and 12 meters wide.
The pass way of the bridge is 7.5 meters wide, made of bricks and stones. The main central aisle was utilized by horses and carts.
The vaulted paths on either side was used by pedestrian.
At the center of the bridge, a pavilion was built, inside which the king would have once sat, admiring the view.
After visiting Khaju Bridge, it was time for lunch.
This time I ordered fried fish instead of the usual kebab.
After lunch, I headed to Si-O-Seh Pol, the bridge of 33 spans.
There were tea houses at either end of the bridge but nowadays it is abandoned.
The total length of the bridge is 298 meter long. It was built by Allahverdi Khan, chancellor of Shah Abbas I.
I tried to take photo of the whole length of the bridge but couldn’t since my camera doesn’t have a wide lens.
Well, the water also no longer flows through here due to the dam.
Both of these bridges are landmarks of Esfahan and it's worth a visit.
Well, that’s all about the bridges.
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