Hasht Behesht Palace, Safavid palace in Isfahan, Iran
Hasht Behesht Palace is a two-story building in Isfahan that combines traditional Persian architecture with glazed tilework, wooden balconies, and detailed plasterwork. The octagonal arrangement of rooms creates flowing connections between interior and exterior spaces, with windows and doors opening onto the surrounding garden.
The structure was built in 1669 during the reign of Safavid King Suleiman I as a residential pavilion within Bolbol Garden. It has survived through the centuries and reflects the building traditions typical of that period.
The interior decoration reveals Persian craftsmanship through geometric patterns and floral designs that appear throughout the rooms. These details show the daily tastes and preferences of those who lived and worked here.
The palace sits within a garden setting and can be explored on foot with time to visit each room and outdoor area. The grounds can be demanding in Isfahan's hot weather, so bringing water and seeking shade is wise.
The building received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980, an internationally recognized honor for its craftsmanship value. This recognition acknowledged it as a rare example of preserving traditional Persian construction techniques and natural materials.
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