A Royal Experience: The Chehel Sotoun Palace and Other Palaces, Isfahan
Mariam Noronha
The metaphor "Isfahan, neen-e-jehaan" is apt in its description of the sheer size of Isfahan being equivalent to half the world.
Undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iran, Isfahan offers myriad experiences ranging from the rugged and rustic to the royal and elegant, thereby totting up travel memories that one would collect having travelled half the globe.
The region is dotted with fortresses and palaces and a visit to any of these historic buildings is guaranteed to take you back in time. It is also an opportunity to see the grandeur and luxury which were a way of life for erstwhile Persian rulers.
The Chehel Sotoun Palace
The Chehel Sotoun Palace is the most famous of the many fortresses and palaces in Isfahan and the palace is a must see destination.
The name Chehel Sotoun (Forty Columns) was inspired by the twenty wooden columns that support the entrance pavilion of the palace, which when reflected in the waters of the pool opposite the palace appear to be double - thus forty in number.
Built by Shah Abbas II, the palace was used for the Shah's entertainment and reception hall and many a dignitary and ambassador visiting the erstwhile ruler were accorded a warm reception right here.
The palace and its gardens have been built on a sprawling complex spread over 67,000 square meters. The construction of the palace began during the rule of Shah Abbas I and Shah Abbas II was responsible for several additions to the palace complex and its subsequent completion.
The Palace, which was the epicenter of grandeur, elegance and color which marked royal receptions, was badly damaged during the Afghan occupation of Isfahan, and is now a museum of Persian paintings and ceramics.
Be it the stone lions at the four corners of the central pool, the shimmering visage of the pool reflecting twenty pillars, the hall of mirrors, gilded ornaments and paintings, beautiful halls and porches or several frescoes and paintings, the palace is a veritable treasure trove for discerning tourists and historians. The paintings in the palace bring to life numerous landmark events in Persian history, notable among these are:
1514: The Battle of Chalderan against the Ottoman Sultan Selim II which was fought without firearms.
1544: Reception for the Mughal Emperor Humayun who sought refuge in Persia.
1611: A royal banquet in honor of Emir of Bukhara.
1739: Nader Sha's triumph over an Indian army.
Most of the ceramic panels bore the brunt of Afghan occupation when they were covered with thick layers of whitewash. The palace is being restored with help from the Italian Institute Per il Medio Oriente.
Other Fortresses and Palaces in Isfahan
If you prefer a royal experience that is off the beaten track then Isfahan has a number of erstwhile royal residences that you must explore. Your options include:
-The Farfan Castle in Isfahan
-Torshak Castle located in Marq village, Isfahan
-Bozi castle in Lanjan
-Deeyu and Jalali Castles in Kashan
-Sangi Castle, Semirom
-Roatma Bafaran, Neyestanak Castles in Naein
With so many alternatives your very own royal rendezvous in Iran is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Go ahead and grab a slice of Persian history while you take a closer look at its architectural masterpieces: the castles and palaces in Isfahan.
Accommodation in Esfahan
Places to stay in Esfahan include the four star Chehel Panjereh Hotel, the three star Venus Hotel with breakfast included, the budget, one star Viana Hotel and the four star Safir Hotel. The five star Attar Hotel offers luxury rooms with free Wifi.
Access - Getting To Esfahan
There are daily flights from Esfahan to Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz with less regular air connections to Mashhad, Zahedan, Kerman and Bandar-e Abbas. There are also some international flights to Kuwait and Dubai.
There are buses to many destinations including Tehran (7 hours), Hamadan (8 hours), Kermanshah (10 hours), Rasht (12 hours), Mashhad (22 hours), Tabriz (16 hours) and Yazd (5 hours).
There are regular trains to Tehran (approximately 7 hours). South east to Kerman or Bandar-e Abbas, change in Ardakan.
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