Introducing The Naqsh-e Jahan Square
Spanning an impressive 512,000 square meters, Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran lives up to its name, which means “Image of the World.” As one of the largest city squares on the planet, it is a masterpiece of urban planning and architecture. Its majestic scale, ancient roots, and array of magnificent monuments have made Naqsh-e Jahan Square a UNESCO World Heritage site and an awe-inspiring destination for visitors to Iran.
The Origins of the Square
While today the square is located in the heart of Isfahan’s historic center, its origins stretch back many centuries before the rise of the city itself. The site lies atop the remnants of older settlements dating back to the pre-Islamic Sassanid era. But Naqsh-e Jahan Square as it exists today was predominantly shaped during the early 17th century under theSafavid Dynasty, which made Isfahan their imperial capital.
The visionary Safavid ruler Shah Abbas I undertook an enormous urban renewal initiative in Isfahan, seeking to create a city fitting for an empire. He chose the site to become a monumental public square, which would anchor Isfahan’s growth into one of the largest and most prominent metropolises in the world at the time. The scale and grandeur of Naqsh-e Jahan Square demonstrated the might and prestige of the Safavid Empire.
Four Icons Surrounding the Square
At each side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square stand four iconic monuments constructed under Shah Abbas I. Together with the expansive grass-covered plaza at the center, these landmarks give the square its renowned beauty and architectural harmony.
The Imam Mosque
The grand entrance to Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the Imam Mosque, revered as a masterpiece of Persian mosque architecture. Adorned with seven-color mosaic tiles and magnificent stalactite decoration, its imposing ivory-toned facade and soaring domed ceilings inspire awe. Verses from the Quran and religious inscriptions adorn almost every surface. Yet the mosque also has areas of simple, austere decoration to reflect spirituality.
The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
On the east side, the smaller but equally striking Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque was constructed as a private mosque for the royal court. Its pale dome seems to float ethereally above the building, with the exterior dazzlingly covered with cream, pink, and turquoise motifs. Inside, sunlight filters through stained glass windows, illuminating the intricately tiled dome ceiling.
The Ali Qapu Palace
Overlooking the square’s northern edge is Ali Qapu Palace, originally built as the royal residence and reception hall. Its six floors offered the Shah and his guests spectacular views over the square below. The palace’s exterior features an artistic blend of stone columns, carved arches, and richly painted plasterwork.
The Qaysarieh Portal
Marking the square’s western edge is the entrance portal to the Qaysarieh – a two-storied arcade filled with upscale shops and workshops. The high-vaulted portal framed in golden tilework provides a grandiose passageway into the bazaar.
The Square Itself
The vast open ground of the square, measuring 160 meters wide by 510 meters long, accommodates hundreds of thousands of people. Originally it was used for polo matches and parades demonstrating military might. Later it became a hub for festivals, celebrations, and public speeches.
To this day the mere scale of the grassy plaza, flanked by intricate pools and fountains, has the power to inspire awe. Walking across offers perspective on the monumentality that Safavid city planners envisioned. Even as modern buildings now hem in parts of the old square, its vastness hints at Isfahan’s former eminence.
Beneath the Square – Hidden Structures
While Naqsh-e Jahan Square provides an open space on top, beneath it lies a hidden subterranean realm. A network of tunnels, water cisterns, and storage rooms extends under the square. This clever architectural design provided the infrastructure to support the water fountains without marring the beauty of the surface.
Accessible through the Qaysarieh portal, visitors can explore a 200 meter section of these ancient passages underground. It required advanced hydraulic engineering and construction to create such large vaulted underground spaces during Shah Abbas’ time. Walking through them provides a glimpse of Safavid architectural prowess.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1979, Naqsh-e Jahan Square was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value. UNESCO describes it as “an urban masterpiece…that embodies the ideal Persian garden.” Several factors underlie this prestigious status:
- The square’s monumental scale and geometric proportions, which illustrate exemplary town planning principles.
- The harmonious architectural beauty of the four structures surrounding the square.
- Its role as a public space for civic, commercial, and cultural activities over centuries.
- The way it expresses a continuum of Persian and Islamic design aesthetics.
- Its lasting impact as an inspiration for urban design across Iran and Central Asia.
By preserving this site, UNESCO recognizes Naqsh-e Jahan Square’s importance as a source of cultural identity, artistic inspiration, and historical significance.
Experiencing the Square Today
Drawing visitors from around the globe, Naqsh-e Jahan Square remains Isfahan’s central hub for commerce and entertainment. Visitors can shop for carpets and handicrafts in the arcades, admire the perfectly manicured gardens, or just soak up the ambiance.
The best views are from the Ali Qapu terrace on the north side, looking out over the mosques and the bustling plaza below. In the evenings, the square is lit up and families gather for picnics and performances. The echoes of children laughing and merchants chatting show that it remains a vibrant social space centuries after Shah Abbas created it as the “Image of the World.”
For travelers visiting Iran, putting Naqsh-e Jahan Square on your itinerary is absolutely essential to witness one of the world’s most magnificent public spaces. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this timeless architectural and cultural treasure.
