Ali Qapu Palace

Isfahan

At first, this palace was actually the entrance to a ministry in the Safavid era, and over time, during the reign of Shah Abbas I, a class was added to it, and during the reign of Shah Abbas II, a balcony was built on top of this.

Building is located on the west side of Naghsh-e Jahan Square and opposite the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. It is 48 meters high and has 6 floors which are accessed by spiral staircases.

What made Aali Qapu one of the most magnificent and exquisite works of the Safavid era were the miniatures of the famous Safavid artist Reza Abbasi, as well as the bedspreads on the top floor of the Aali Qapu Palace which is called “Music Room” or “Sound Room.

Shah Abbas watched polo and played in Naghsh-e Jahan Square from the porch of Aali Qapu. He also looked after the country’s affairs in Aali Qapu and enacted the necessary laws.

The construction of this building began after the transfer of the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan by Shah Abbas I, between 1594 and 1598, as the seat and government of the Safavid sultans.

This palace was built in 5 stages and continued and completed between 70 and 100 years during the reign of Shah Abbas I, especially Shah Abbas II and Shah Suleiman.