Spend a day in Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is a unique square. Its beauty amazes you and its greatness shakes your heart. For me, a native of Isfahan, Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the most charming and inspiring place in the world. A place that always makes me happy and it does not matter if I am happy or sad, walking in the turbulent atmosphere of the square, among the colorful flowers and turquoise ponds with the view of the unique cells and buildings that appear around the square and the sounds of horses and carts can make my day easier.

What makes me happy? If you like to see historical monuments, you like to shop in traditional markets, you want to taste delicious Iranian food or you want to try Doogh (Ayran), Gosh-e Fil and Fereni (Kheer), both typical of the city of Isfahan, La Naqsh-e Yahán Square is the best and most comforting option. It takes at least two days to see the important buildings of Naqsh-e Jahan square and shop in its grand bazaar, but if your trip to Isfahan is short, you can visit the important parts in a full day with proper planning and have a good time.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a masterpiece of architecture and art from the heart of history, a remnant from the days of greatness and glory of this beautiful city, is located in the center of the historical part of Isfahan, from the east to Hafez street and from west to Sepah street in Isfahan. The historic Sepah street also has a path to the square.

If you have your own car, you can use the parking lot behind the Shah Mosque or the parking lots located at the end of Sepah streets to park, and then walk to Naqsh-e Yahán square from the paved part of Sepah street.

For some time, there have been small electric cars at this entrance, which are mostly used by elderly people or people who have difficulty walking in the square. Otherwise, if you like to ride the chariot, it is one of the pure pleasures that you should not miss. Take a deep breath before entering the square and prepare for a journey deep into the glorious history of Isfahan. What is the view of this huge rectangle with its minarets and fortifications, with small and large turquoise ponds and beautiful fountains and cells that line side by side around the square?

My suggestion is that you start your visit to the magical Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque when you are in the square and are fascinated by its beauty. A different mosque without minaret and without nave with a beautiful and unique dome whose dominant color changes with the angle of the sun and turns khaki in the morning, pink in the afternoon and gray at night.

The entrance of this mosque has several steps and the door is made of sycamore wood, which is still standing and beautiful after 400 years. After passing through the door, you enter a beautiful corridor with a different atmosphere than other mosques with colorful tiles whose predominant colors are blue and green. Passing through this corridor, we reach the main area and under its low dome. We can say that the most beautiful part of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is its circular dome, decorated with Islamic motifs and dark blue mosaics on a white background. In the inner center of the dome, you will be surprised to discover the role of a peacock whose feathers are complemented by the light coming from the arch over the entrance of the mosque.

After visiting Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, we will go to Ali Qapu Palace, which is located in front of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. A unique mansion built on six floors with spiral staircases and was the central palace of the Safavid dynasty. The main beauty of Ali Qapu is due to the enchanting miniatures and beds of the Safavid era. These artistic quilts give a beautiful look to the upper floor, which is called a music room or sound room. Standing on the high porch of Ali Qapu, you see a sight that the Safavid kings witnessed to watch plays and polo matches.

After visiting the Ali Qapu Palace and before continuing our journey to visit the Shah Mosque, a carriage ride through the square can be a refreshing break. We can also refresh our throat by trying the traditional ice cream or Faloodeh and refresh our energy to continue our visit. The sound of horses' hooves on the pavement polishes our souls. If you are in a carriage, if you can take a short video of the field, it will be a good memory afterwards, so that every time you miss it, it takes you to that space and brings a smile on your face.

The next building is Imam Mosque or Shah Mosque or Abbasi Mosque, which is one of the most important buildings in Islamic architecture and in terms of rich decorations and exquisite works, it is one of the unique architectural works in Iran. It is a large mosque with a main dome, four minarets and two naves surrounded by 4 porches and a courtyard. The built-in marble altar of this mosque is the most beautiful altar among contemporary mosques.

Visiting the Shah Mosque takes longer than other buildings, and after that, you can go to Azadegan Restaurant Cafe (Haj Mirza), which is located in one of the southern side alleys, to eat or try the traditional mix of Doogh (Ayran) and Gosh-e fil. The site is located side of the square towards the Qeysarieh gate, which is one of the sights of the square. You can ask for the location of Haj Mirza Café and anyone will show you the way. This coffee shop has an old building and a unique atmosphere, and with its traditional design, decorations and antiques hanging on the wall, it will take you back to the ancient times of Iran to the culture of coffee shop and Zurkhaneh (Iranian traditional sport). Other than that, the taste of Doogh and Gosh-e fil and their Dizi (meat broth) is unique.

After lunch at Mirza Hajj Cafe, it's time to buy some souvenirs. From Qeysarieh Gate, you can enter Qeysarieh Bazaar or Isfahan Old Bazaar, an indoor market that is several kilometers long and in each part of which you will find yourself in the colorful world of Isfahan souvenirs, teal and handicrafts. , carpets, gold and silverware, textiles, clothing and spices. Shopping at the Isfahan bazaar, socializing and haggling over prices with the bazaar merchants, who often have a sweet Isfahan accent, is an interesting experience.

Don't miss the entrance to the Qeysarieh Bazaar or known as the Qeysarieh Gate itself, which is an arched entrance with magnificent lavish tiles and faded Safavid paintings, and has the best view in the entire square.

If your purchase took a long time and you were in the square until sunset, be sure to revisit the interior of the square and enjoy the beautiful lighting of its historical monuments at night. The last suggestion is: if you like kheer (a very fresh and delicious sweet) don't miss the famous old place on Hafez street where the best kheer is offered.

You haven't visited Naqsh-e Yahán square yet? Don't worry, we will guide you to the most unknown corners of Iran! Take care and see you soon!

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