Khaju Bridge

🕰️When was it built?

The bridge was built in its present form in 1060 AH (1650) on the order of Shah Abbas II. According to the Kufic inscription on its south side it was repaired in 1290 AH (1873) under Naser al-Din Shah, and it was registered as a national monument, number 111, on 5 January 1932.

🏛️What was it built for?

Khaju Bridge was not only a crossing but also worked as a dam. It had sluice gates under its arches, and when they were closed the water behind the bridge rose and formed a small lake. On this lake, swimming and boat races and fireworks were held for court festivities.

👀What you will see

• The bridge is 133 metres long with 24 arches, built of precisely cut, cube-shaped stones.
• In the middle of each side stands a building called the Shahneshin, with painted rooms; it was the place where dignitaries watched the contests on the water.
• Of the king's seat, only a stone bench remains.
• Two stone lions sit at the corners of the east side of the bridge.

💡Something interesting

Many people think the stone lions are the old guardians of the Zayanderud, but they come from elsewhere: in the Pahlavi era they were brought from Takht-e Foulad and the Tuqchi Gate and placed on either side of the bridge.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Walk down beside the piers below the bridge too, to see the arches and the stone steps up close.