Naghsh e Jahan square or – Imam Square- of Isfahan is probably one of the most important Iran tourist attractions. Naghsh e Jahan square is located in the heart of Isfahan city. The historical Naghsh e Jahan square is almost 560 meters long and 160 meters wide. There are about two hundred chambers or stores in two stories around the square. Aside from Naghsh e Jahan square itself there are three other important tourist attraction around the square. including Shah or Imam Mosque, Ali qa pu royal palace and Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque.
Safavid king the great Shah Abbas I ordered to build Naghsh e Jahan square. The architectural inspiration for building Naghsh e Jahan square was Roman squares or Piazzas. It was actually used for playing polo during 17th century AD. Jean Chardin the French traveler who visited Iran says it was the most beautiful square of the world at the time. In the time of Shah Abbas I Naghsh e Jahan square had many functions. Such as performing military marches, holding festivals, playing polo and different occasions.
In the normal days it was a place for trade and business of local people and commoners. For example Other known European tourists like Jean-Baptiste Tavernier or Pietro Della Valle also have told about Naghsh e Jahan square in their travelogues. You can still see the old polo points from 400 years ago. The are only few changes in the square since Safavid era. Namely the fountains of pools. They added these fountains In the time of Pahlavi.
Naghsh e Jahan square is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. It is a reason many tourists travel to Iran. Naghsh e Jahan square and its surrounding tourist attractions is definitely a must visit in travel to Iran.If you are traveling to Isfahan it is best if you visit Nghsh-e Jahan Square in the afternoon.
