Naghsh-e Jahan Square
“Naghsh-e Jahan” Square or King square, is one of the most beautiful and precious historical monuments of Safavid dynasty at the heart of Isfahan with the area of plus 8 ha. It is registered in UNESCO World Heritages list.
The historical edifices around this square are: “Ali Qapu“, king mosque, “Sheikh Lotfollah” mosque and “Qeysariyeh” arch. Naghsh-e Jahan square was first a huge garden which was constructed and developed as the vantage of “Shaah Abbas Avval” monarchy by “Sheikh Bahayi”- the prime minister about 420 years ago. “Ali Qpu” at the west, King mosque at the south, Sheikh Lotfollah mosque at the east and Qeysariyeh arch is located at the north of it.
The names of two head architects of Naghsh-e Jahan Square (grand masters: Ali Akbar Isfahani & Mohammad Reza Isfahani) are inscribed at the entrance arches of King and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques. In 17th century,it was considered as one of the biggest and most important squares in the world and was also used as polo arena.
The comprehensive explanation about this square is done by some famous globetrotters like Sir John Chardin and Jean-Babtiste Tavernier. At the moment there are about 200 traditional stores all around the square full of Isfahan Craftsmanship industry.