Chehel Sotoon Palace

Discover Isfahan’s Chehelstone Palace: A Masterpiece of Persian Architecture

Isfahan’s Chehelstone Palace is one of the city’s most iconic historical monuments, celebrated for its intricate design and rich cultural heritage. Covering an area of 67,000 square meters, the palace’s construction began during the reign of Shah Abbas I, who established the central mansion and a pavilion at the heart of the garden. This pavilion became the palace’s original core, featuring the middle hall and the four-cornered pavilions.

Completion Under Shah Abbas II

During the reign of Shah Abbas II, the palace was completed and underwent significant enhancements. Additions included the Hall of Mirrors, the 20-column Hall, two large north and south rooms adjoining the Hall of Mirrors, the side porches of the Kingdom Hall, and the grand pool in front of the hall.
Initially, walls and ceilings were adorned with paintings, but after a fire damaged the palace, parts of the porch roof were restored using silver mirrors instead of mercury, enhancing the hall’s reflective beauty.

The Central Hall: A Tribute to Diplomacy and Art

The palace’s central hall, dedicated to hosting foreign dignitaries and prominent figures, features paintings depicting historical events from various eras. Its stunning dome, adorned with colorful motifs, gold leaf, and transparent designs, represents a pinnacle of Persian artistry.

The porch of Chehelstone Palace consists of two distinct sections:

1. The Main Porch: Supported by 18 tall wooden pillars, the four central pillars rest on intricately carved stone lions, whose mouths pour water into the marble pool below. This artistic fusion of sculpture and water design exemplifies Persian craftsmanship.
2. The Mirror Hall Entrance: Slightly elevated, this section serves as the entrance to the hall and is renowned for its elaborate mirror work. Small mosaic mirrors, combined with taller brick mirrors, create dazzling geometric patterns across the walls and ceiling. The ceiling itself is crafted from wooden frames in intricate geometric shapes, reflecting the marble pool’s symmetrical image, reminiscent of the grand Qapo Porch.

Why Visit Chehelstone Palace

Chehelstone Palace is not just a historic site—it is a celebration of Persian architecture, art, and culture. From its mirrored halls and painted domes to its stone lions and marble pools, every element reflects the grandeur and sophistication of the Safavid era. Visitors can marvel at the palace’s symmetry, intricate carvings, and historical paintings, making it a must-see destination in Isfahan.