Shah Mosque, Islamic architectural monument in Isfahan, Iran
Description
The Shah Mosque is a religious building on the southern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran, known for its large blue dome and tall minarets. The complex includes a rectangular courtyard with a water basin in the center, surrounded by two-story arcades and prayer halls on each side.
History
Shah Abbas the First ordered construction in 1611 to provide the new capital Isfahan with a monumental religious center. Completion followed in 1630 under architect Bahāʾ al-dīn al-ʿĀmilī, who combined Safavid building traditions with innovative construction techniques.
Culture
The name honors Shah Abbas the First, the Safavid ruler who made Isfahan the capital of his empire. The symmetrical facade facing the square shows blue and turquoise tile patterns, while calligraphy in Kufic and Naskh scripts repeats sacred texts along the arches and portals.
Practical
The entrance faces Naqsh-e Jahan Street, with the portal angled slightly west to align the main hall toward Mecca. Visitors should choose early morning hours when light passes through the dome windows and makes the tiles glow.
Did you know?
The main dome measures 52 meters (171 feet) in height and consists of two shells with an air space between them, which reduces weight and enhances acoustics. This double-walled construction allows a clap at the floor to return as multiple echoes heard throughout the interior.
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).
Stone mosaics adorn buildings across continents, offering insights into the artistic traditions of different eras. Roman floor mosaics feature mythological scenes and geometric patterns in villas and public baths. Byzantine wall mosaics in churches depict religious figures using gold tesserae, while...
Naqsh-e Jahan Square
383 m
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
303 m
Chehel Sotun
628 m
Ali Qapu
280 m
Natural History Museum of Isfahan
550 mMaqsud Beyk Mosque
442 mIsfahan Museum of Decorative Arts
390 m
Isfahan Museum of Contemporary Art
498 m
Constitution House (Isfahan)
334 m
Imamzadeh Ahmad (Isfahan)
255 m
Tohidkhaneh (Isfahan)
337 m
Khosrow Agha Hammam
601 m
Molla Abdollah Madrasa
604 m
Keter David Synagogue
507 m
Ashraf Hall
383 mRashk-e Janan
414 mخانه حاج حسین حسینی
403 m
Timurid Hall (Isfahan)
552 m
Chehel Sotun Garden
578 m
Isfahan Coppersmith Bazaar
477 m
Chaharbagh Palace
413 mNajafi House (Qasr Monshi Street, Isfahan)
430 mعصار خانه
561 mقصر شاه اصفهان
331 mCarriage riding
388 mاثر هنری مرد زیر چتر
546 mکافه قیصریه
596 mاستاد علی اکبر اصفهانی
259 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