Isfahan Province lies in central Iran, and it is best known for its historic capital city, which is rich in Islamic architecture. For many visitors, the province is a destination for slow walking, looking closely at tilework and domes, and seeing how a city's old centre was laid out around its public spaces.
What to see in the city
The centrepiece is Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a large open space framed by buildings from the Islamic period. Around it are several beautiful mosques, and visitors often spend time comparing their façades, courtyards and decorative detail. The square is a good place to begin, since most of the city's principal sights are within easy reach of it.
Planning a visit
- Architecture first: set aside time for the square and the mosques, and allow for walking between them.
- Look closely: the surface decoration of the buildings rewards a slower pace than a checklist visit.
- Make it a province trip: the wider province gives you more to explore beyond the capital, so you can plan a stay of more than a single day.
Isfahan suits travellers interested in Islamic art and historic urban design. Check current access and visiting arrangements before you go, as these can change.
