Ali Qapu Palace

🕰️When was it built?

Ali Qapu was built on the base of a Timurid building and, on the order of Shah Abbas I, became the palace and seat of government of the Safavids between 1594 and 1598 (973–977 SH). It was built in five stages over about 70 to 100 years, and Shah Abbas II added the columned terrace. It was registered as a national monument, number 104, on 5 January 1932.

🏛️What was it built for?

Ali Qapu was first of all the entrance gate to the Safavid royal precinct. From its terrace Shah Abbas watched polo and the shows in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, carried out the business of government and received his special guests.

👀What you will see

• The high terrace facing the square has eighteen wooden columns, and from it the whole of Naqsh-e Jahan Square lies below you.
• The hall on the top floor, known as the Music Room or Sound Room, has delicate and richly worked stucco.
• The walls inside are painted with flowers and plants, hunting scenes, animals and birds, and miniatures in the style of Reza Abbasi.
• Two matching spiral staircases and the zigzag royal stairs connect the floors.

💡Something interesting

Ali Qapu looks different from every side: two storeys from the front, three from the sides and five from the back, though it has six. An old story says Shah Abbas brought the entrance door of the shrine of Imam Ali from Najaf and fitted it here; qapu is Turkish for door, and the palace's name is read as the lofty gate.

🎒Good to know before you go