Ali Qapu Palace is located in Naghsh-e Jahan Square facing Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. It was constructed

at the end of the 16th century as a residence for Shah Abbas I. The palace once served as a monumental

gateway to the royal palaces. It also functioned as a reception pavilion for foreign dignitaries and embassies

to the royal court.

Ali Qapu Palace has six floors, each accessible by a spiral staircase and short doors. Many of the valuable

paintings and mosaics that once decorated the 52 small rooms, corridors and stairways were destroyed

during the Qajar era. Fortunately, a few have remained in the throne room off the terrace.

The upper floor, which is definitely worth a climb, leads to the music room. The stucco ceiling is riddled with

shapes of vases and other household utensils cut to enhance the acoustics. This distinctive craftsmanship,

considered by some to be one of the finest examples of secular Persian art, extends to the walls.

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12 ENDLESS DISCOVERY ISFAHAN

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