Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan

Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan

Ali Qapu Palace

Commanded to build by Shah Abbas, Ali Qapu Palace , or the High Gate is located in Isfahan, Iran.  Ali Qapu is a slender seven-story building that breaks the rectilinear layout of the western side Naghshe Jahan Square. Ali Qapu has a perfect view of Naghshe Jajhan square and the kings used to sit there and watch the matches and ceremonies held in Naghshe Jahan Square.

History of Ali Qapu Palace

Shah Abbas ordered to build Ali Qapu on a previous Timurid building, it was used as the seat of government by the Savavid rulers, and consisted of the reception area and the main entrance to the palatial complex that extends westward to a large park.

The building was rebuilt in different stages that cover a period of seventy years. Different parts were and the palace now consists of:  

1) The entrance building
2) The upper room
3) The fifth floor or the so-called "Musical Room"
4) The eastern portico 
5) The entrance porch, covered with wooden roof supported by 18 columns, also made of wood
6) The water tank in the northern part

The exterior parts of Ali Qapu are a combination of bricks and tiles, however, the interior part is decorated with the most beautiful paintings and the most elaborate works in plaster. From here, the emperors and their guests acted as spectators of polo and wrestling tournaments.

Architecture of Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu Palace is currently a 48 meters high rectangular structure in 7 floors, located on the western side of the  . It contains ornate doors and windows and a wealth of mural paintings that represent the environment. Thin wooden columns, similar to those of Chehel Sotun, support a coffered wooden ceiling on a balcony that has a superb panorama view of the square on its western side, just in front of the Sheikh Lotf-o-lah Mosque and the Old city and in the background the sharp mountains that surround Isfahan province.

One of the most beautiful spaces in Ali Qapu Palace is the magnificent hall, as it has 18 columns covered with mirrors, and the ceiling is adorned with great paintings.

Unfortunately, much of the mosaic mural decoration of the rooms, corridors and stairs in Ali Qapu Palace has disappeared, perhaps due to the profane nature of its motives. It still has niches with figurative paintings of maidens walking through lush gardens. 

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