Ali Qapu Palace, known in Persian as Kakh-e Ali Qapu, is one of the historical buildings located in Naqshe-e Jahan square. Ali Qapu is one of the four landmarks of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, together with Jame Abbasi Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah and the Gheysarieh bazaar. This imperial palace is located at the western part of the square and exactly infront of Sheikh Lotfollah mosque. Naqsh-e Jahan square including these four prominent highlights are inscribed as UNESCO world heritage site.
Ali Qapu History
When Shah Abbas designated Isfahan as the capital of the Safavid dynasty, he developed the urban planning of the city. Accordingly, a governmental building was built which was multifunctional. It was a residential place for the royal family and at the same time it serves as the reception palace for the officials. Ali Qapu Palace was first founded on the remnant of a garden from Timurid era (14th century) in 1597. As an administrative center of the Safavids, this palace has had its heydays in the 17th century.
After the Safavids, in Qajarid era, Ali Qapu palace became a residential palace of Zele Sultan, the Qajarid ruler of Isfahan. Some parts of the palace have been destroyed during the history partly by the passage of time and lack of preservation and partly by the destructive invasion of Afqans.
Ali Qapu Palace Architecture
This high-rise structure was the loftiest building in the 17th century Isfahan. As the administrative center of the Safavid, Ali Qapu palace was built to symbolize the power of the sovereign. This 48-meter high structure is a six-story palace which used to be an official residence of Persian emperor in Safavid dynasty.
This palace has gone through several stages of constructions. At first, Ali Qapu was only a two-story building with about 6-meter height. Between 1592 to 1598 the second construction phase was undertaken and the outcome was a four-floor building. In this phase, a veranda was added and the third floor was actually served as the king’s reception hall. At the third phase, the music hall was constructed. Later, in 1648, the eastern veranda outlooking the square was added with 18 wooden columns supporting the balcony. The columns used to be covered by mirrors imported to Iran from Venice. The pool situated at the middle of the veranda was built by copper plate and made the water circulation of the palace easier.
The significant architectural privilege of this palace it’s the harmonious integrity of the sections. Although this palace has been completed in 70 years, you cannot tell the eras apart due to its architectural consistency.
Ali Qapu Music Hall
The music hall is the most significant chamber of the palace. The innovative stuccowork and decoration of this hall are multipurpose. The ceiling is intellectually designed by empty vessels and pots and these hollow spaces echo the sound of musical instruments and enhance the acoustics. On the other hand, this method lightens the burden of the materials from the walls and ceiling which leads to the better sustainability of the structure.
About Ali Qapu Palace
The name Ali Qapu literally means “the magnificent door” used to serve as the monumental gateway to the royal palace. As the Safavid kings selected Shia as their official religion and they respected the first Shia Imam, the door was brought from the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf. This iconic door used to be ornamented with gold and silver.
The delicate miniatures and paintings inside the halls were painted by the famous court painter of the Safavid, Ali Reza Abbasi. Unfortunately, most of these delicate miniatures were damaged in Qajarid era when they were covered by a thick layer of plaster for years.
The Safavid kings used to stand on the balcony watching the ceremonies and Polo game (Chowgan) played in Naqsh-e Jahan square.
You can feel it by standing there for a while and enjoying the panoramic view of the square.
When to Visit Ali Qapu Palace
You can enjoy visiting this 17th century imperial palace in every season. The opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Bear in mind to arrange your visiting time if you want to visit other monuments of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. You ae not allowed to enter the mosques in praying time.
Location of Ali Qapu Palace
Ali Qapu Palace is located at the western wing of Naqsh-e Jahan square on the opposite side of Sheikh Lotfollah mosque. It is surrounded by other highlights of Isfahan; Jame Abbasi mosque is on the southern side and Gheysarieh bazaar is on the northern side of the square.
Getting to the Ali Qapu
Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the most well-known historical site in the city. So, it is easily accessible by public transportation. You are not allowed to enter the historical area by any types of vehicle. You should walk a bit or if it is difficult for you to walk, there are electronic cars which can carry you to the center of Naqsh-e Jahan square.
Ali Qapu Palace entrance fee
You need to pay about 4$ entrance fee for visiting the whole complex of Ali Qapu palace.
FAQ
Ali Qapu palace, as a part of Naqsh-e Jahan square, founded in 1597. The construction process continued for 70 years and it was completed in 1668.
The Naqsh-e Jahan square is a 24-hour lively attraction. You can walk across the square whenever you want and enjoy the view. But if you want to visit inside the monuments, here are the opening hours:
9AM to 6:30 PM
Ali Qapu is located in the most important part of the city, Naqsh-e Jahan Square where you can find very good restaurants. The traditional restaurants nearby are Namakdan, with outdoor and indoor places for serving the Persian food. Naqsh-e Jahan restaurant, Azadegan café and Hamdamolssaltaneh Restaurant are top choices in the square.
If you choose to stay near Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the majority of historical landmarks of the city are in your walking distance. Partikan Apartment Hotel is attached to the square and is the closest hotel. If you are a seeking a budged friendly hotel, we offer Pars Hotel and Safavi Hotel. To enjoy a more traditional atmosphere Keryas Hotel and the luxurious Abbasi Hotel are the best options.
As the second biggest square in the world, you can find dozens of attractions in every corner. Aside from Jame Abbasi mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah mosque and Gheysarieh bazaar, you can visit Chehelsotoun Palace, Hasht Behesht palace, Chaharbagh boulevard and Contemporary Museum of Art.
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