Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, 17th-century mosque in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan, Iran
Description
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is a 17th-century prayer house on the eastern edge of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, notable for its dome without minarets. The outer walls show tile patterns in cream and blue tones, while inside, geometric motifs and floral designs cover the entire dome and are highlighted by natural light from small windows.
History
Shah Abbas I commissioned architect Baha ad-Din al-Amili in 1602 to build this mosque, which was completed in 1619 and served the royal family as a private prayer space. An underground passage connected the building directly to the Ali Qapu Palace on the opposite side of the square, allowing the court to enter unnoticed.
Culture
The name honors Sheikh Lotfollah, a Lebanese scholar who served at Shah Abbas's court and whose family used this mosque as a prayer space. The mihrab shows detailed tilework in blue, gold, and turquoise, while Arabic calligraphy guides religious verses across the walls in flowing lines.
Practical
The entrance sits directly on the square and is reached by a short staircase leading into an angled corridor that shields the interior from outside noise. The best hours for visits are early morning, when sunlight passes through the dome windows and makes the tile colors glow.
Did you know?
The dome shows an unusual color shift throughout the day, changing from pale cream through pink to ochre, an effect created by the special arrangement of tiles and the angle of incoming light. At the center of the dome, a peacock pattern appears that only becomes visible when standing directly underneath and looking up.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (District 3).
Shah Mosque
303 m
Naqsh-e Jahan Square
141 m
Isfahan Grand Bazaar
405 m
Hakim Mosque
739 m
Ali Qapu
179 m
Qeysariyeh Gate
362 m
Jarchi Mosque
661 m
Natural History Museum of Isfahan
469 mIsfahan Museum of Decorative Arts
395 m
Isfahan Museum of Contemporary Art
417 m
Constitution House (Isfahan)
478 m
Imamzadeh Ahmad (Isfahan)
449 m
Tohidkhaneh (Isfahan)
275 m
Sadr Madrasa (Isfahan Grand Bazaar)
565 m
Khosrow Agha Hammam
469 m
Shahi Oil Mill
392 m
Qeysariyeh Bazaar
421 m
Moshir al-Molk Ansari House
679 m
Molla Abdollah Madrasa
310 m
Ashraf Hall
411 m
Sarutaqi Caravanserai
582 m
Timurid Hall (Isfahan)
471 m
Chehel Sotun Garden
566 m
Chaharbagh Palace
410 m
Malek Timcheh
433 m
Jaddeh Kuchak Madrasa
516 m
Sarutaqi Complex
555 m
Isfahan Coppersmith Bazaar
291 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes