Iran: Architecture, Gardens & Design

Copper wares in the bazaar, Isfahan
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16: ISFAHAN
Isfahan, the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Dynasty,
is referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan, or “Half of the World.”
Admire the domes and walls surrounding the UNESCOlisted
square, Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan. The square is
flanked by the Ali-Qapu Palace and two of the world’s
greatest mosques: the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Masjid-i
Iman, both featuring splendid tile work. No visit to
Isfahan would be complete without a stop at the historic
bazaar, where hundreds of shops sell traditional Persian
handicrafts. After lunch, we will also see the Hasht Behesht
Pavilion, set amongst tree-lined alleys, a reflecting pool,
and water rills. End the afternoon with a visit to the Khaiu
Bridge, one of Isfahan’s famous eleven bridges. Enjoy an
optional visit to a carpet weaver, followed by dinner
at a restaurant.
B,L,D
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17: ISFAHAN
This morning, marvel at the sumptuous Palace of Chehel
Sotoun, whose twenty columns reflected in the garden
pool give the palace its name of “Forty Columns.” Tour the
Decorative Arts Museum before continuing to the Music
Museum to admire its collection of traditional Persian
instruments and attend a performance. Before lunch, we
will also see the Armenian Quarter, where Shah Abbas I
transplanted a colony of skilled Christian entrepreneurs in
1604. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Friday Mosque
or Masjid-I Jameh, considered to be a museum of more
than a thousand years of religious architecture. Explore a
local art gallery before dinner.
B,L,D
Masjid-i Iman, formerly known as the Shah Mosque, Isfahan