Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan

Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan is one of the main Isfahan Attractions. The registered UNESCO site is a Persian garden. Here, you can find all the things to know about Chehel Sotoun, like address, photos, tourist information, nearby main attractions, and Iran tours that include this attraction.

Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan + address & photo

Tourist information of Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan

Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan is one of the top Persian gardens; with its stunning 17th-century design and captivating mural paintings, it is a must-see Isfahan attraction.

Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan was registered on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list in 2011 as The Persian Gardens.

Isfahan, the historical city of Iran, is home to one of the most magnificent monuments in the country – the Chehel Sotoun Palace. This architectural gem, also known as the “Forty Column Palace,” is a testament to the grandeur and artistic excellence of the Safavid Empire.

The construction of Chehel Sotoun Palace can be traced back to the reign of Shah Abbas I, known as Abbas the Great when Isfahan was chosen as the capital of Iran. During this time, numerous ambitious projects were undertaken to transform the city into a symbol of power and beauty.

One of these projects was the creation of a grand boulevard called Chahar-bagh, surrounded by exquisite Persian gardens. Chehel Sotoun Palace was established as a pavilion within one of these gardens and served as a gathering place for both foreign and domestic guests.

In the mid-17th century, during the reign of Shah Abbas II, the simple pavilion underwent significant expansion. Several halls, including the impressive 18-column hall and the mirror hall, were added to the main structure. Skilled Iranian artisans adorned the palace with intricate decorations such as mirror work, miniature paintings, tile work, and Muqarnas.

The construction was completed in 1647, and Chehel Sotoun Palace was inaugurated in the presence of foreign dignitaries and the king himself. It promptly became a reception hall for hosting foreign ambassadors and other esteemed guests.

The name “Chehel Sotoun” has long intrigued visitors and historians. While some believe it refers to the reflection of the palace’s columns in the pool, others argue that it denotes the abundance of columns used in its construction.

Interestingly, there are theories suggesting that the original palace did indeed have forty columns. Still, a fire during the reign of Shah Soltan Hosein, the last Safavid king, led to the destruction of twenty columns. Nevertheless, Chehel Sotoun Palace stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Safavid dynasty.

Architecture of Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan

As you approach Chehel Sotoun Palace, your eyes will be drawn to its grand front porch, which measures an impressive 38 meters in length and 17 meters in width. This eastern-facing porch boasts 18 wooden columns, each standing at a height of 14 meters and skillfully adorned. Four additional pillars, adorned with intricately carved stone lions, stand in the middle of the porch.

These stone lions serve as fountains, gently spouting water into a marble pool situated between the pillars. The porch’s magnificent ceiling is crafted from wood and embellished with porcelain knots, paintings, and mirrors, creating a breathtaking sight.

Among the many highlights of Chehel Sotoun Palace are its captivating paintings, which showcase the artistic brilliance of the Safavid era. The palace is home to approximately seventy murals created using tempera and oil painting techniques.

These murals are perfect examples of the Isfahan School of Painting, which flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries. The paintings depict a wide range of subjects, including floral and animal motifs, as well as historical events from the Safavid dynasty.

The paintings in Chehel Sotoun Palace can be categorized into three distinct styles. The first is the Isfahan School, championed by the renowned artist Reza Abbasi. The second style is the European influence, which emerged as a result of political and cultural exchanges between Iran and Europe. Finally, a combination of Iranian and European teachings gave rise to a unique hybrid style among some Iranian painters.

Reza Abbasi: The Master Painter

Reza Abbasi, the most celebrated painter of the Safavid era, played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic landscape of Isfahan. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, political and trade relations with European countries led to the spread of Italian painting styles in the city. Reza Abbasi’s exceptional talent set him apart from other artists of his time, and he became a prominent name in the Safavid court.

His paintings showcased a mastery of chiaroscuro techniques and a deep understanding of nature and human emotions. Reza Abbasi’s work often featured single miniatures, depicting figures against lightly drawn garden backgrounds. These miniatures were highly sought after by private collectors and showcased his versatility as an artist.

Today, Chehel Sotoun Palace is a beautiful garden museum where people can learn about Isfahan’s history and art. The central hall, which is filled with gorgeous art from different times, shows how grand the Safavid age was. Foreign tourists and guests are still amazed by how stunning this house is and how important it is historically.

Its beautiful building, beautiful paintings, and long history make it a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about Iran’s past.

Best Time to visit Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan

The best time to visit Chehel Sotoun is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. Spring, from March to May, offers lush greenery and blooming flowers in the palace gardens, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit.

Fall, from September to November, offers similar pleasant weather and the opportunity to witness the changing colours of the trees in the surrounding park.

Nearby Attractions and Restaurants to Chehel Sotoun Palace

Things to do near Chehel Sotoun Palace are Naqsh-e Jahan Square (includes Ali Qapu Palace, Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Qeysarieh Gate), Grand Bazaar, Azadegan Tea House, Hasht Behesht Palace, Isfahan Music Museum and Mollabashi Historical House.

Some of the best Isfahan restaurants near the Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan are Sogoli Cafe Restaurant, Partikan Restaurant, Bastani Restaurant, Jarchibashi Restaurant, Cahar Bagh Restaurant, Atigh Traditional Restaurant, Shamsolemareh Cafe & Restaurant, Abbasi Traditional Restaurant, Naghshe Jahan Restaurant, and Shahrzad Restaurant.

Nearby Hotels to Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan

You can stay near Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan at the Saraye Ordibehesht Hotel, Setareh Hotel, Karbat Hotel, Jaam Firouzeh Hotel, Safavi Hotel, Sepahan Hotel, Abbasi Hotel, safir Hotel, Venus Hotel, and Parsian Ali-Qapu Hotel.

You can add this attraction to your itinerary. Please get in touch with tour operators.

Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan to Isfahan Museum of Natural History . 5 min. walk.
Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan to Naqsh-e Jahan Square. 10 min. walk.
Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan to Hasht Behesht Palace. 15 min walk.
Chehel Sotoun Palace Isfahan to Azadegan Tea House. 19 min walk.