Isfahan's Nash-e Jahan Square
Iran’s Naqsh-e Jahan square which is also called Shah Square is one of the largest squares in the world, earning it a spot as a Unesco World Heritage site.
Constructed between 1598 and 1629, the square is 512m long and 163m wide, with gardens and fountains surrounding it on four sides. This architectural gem is truly a sight to behold. The square was built under the rule of Shah Abbas the Great to signal the importance of Isfahan as the capital city and seat of power at the time. The name Naqsh-e Jahan means ‘pattern of the world’ and this wondrous gem is at the heart of the city where it showcases the beauty of the Safavid empire.
It hasn’t changed much since it was built, today you can still see the elegant Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah, the Masjed-e Shah jewel and the lavishly decorated Kakh-e Ali Qapu in places like it was centuries ago. The square is strictly a pedestrian zone with the occasional horse-drawn carriage or pony cart close to the many souvenir shops. This adds to the charm of the square as visitors stroll without worrying about traffic. At sunset the square seems to come to life with the domes lit, fountains come on, and the mountains behind turn red from the last rays of the sun, it becomes like a magical scene from a fairytale.
