Approximately 4,500 years BC., a community with an interesting civilization was settled in this area and their tools were of stone and bone. There is a possibility that the former residents of this region had succumbed to their successors. Here, Elamite slabs of clay have been found, and due to the links of this community with that of the civilization of Shoosh (Susa), about 5,500 years ago, they learned to write.
This historical site of 'Arisman' with 6000 years of antiquity is located in the Arisman Village in the township of Natanz. The same comprises of three archeological vicinities and lie in the skirts of the Karkas Mountains and to the north of it. This area resembles a workshop or foundry with colossal furnaces for the smelting of metals and the making of moulds. Earthenware evidences reveal that these are relics of the 4th and 1st millennium BC.
These are named as, the Rostam Bafaran, Neyestanak Castles in Naein. The Farfan Castle in Esfahan, Torshak Castle in the Marq Village of Esfahan, Deeyu and Jalali Castles in Kashan, Sangi Castle in the township of Semirom, and the Bozi Castle in Lanjan.
Narenj (Narin) Castle, Naein
This ancient castle is located near the Alavian Mosque in the Babol Masjed locality. The architectural affects of this castle reveal that it was a fire temple in the pre-Islamic period. The same has been constructed of baked bricks, and dates back to the Parthian and Sassanide eras. The height of this castle from streets and alleys is 5 m. whereas, from the depth of the moat it is 40 m.
Menar Jonban Minaret, Esfahan
This structure comprises of a mausoleum and two minarets, constructed on the tomb of 'Amoo Abdollah' a reputed personality of the 8th century AH. The tombstone reveals the date 716 AH., coinciding with that of the reign of 'Oljaito' Ilkhan the Mongol. It is extremely interesting to note that on shaking one minaret, not only does the other move, but that the structure itself sways.
Goldasteh Minaret, Esfahan
This brick minaret is in the Dardasht neighborhood of Esfahan, and is a vestige of the Saljuqi period. The diameter of the same is 2.22 m. The girth of its central column being 54 cm. and its walls to the thickness of 21cm.
Chehel Dokhtar Minaret, Esfahan
Another interesting relic of the Saljuqi period is the Chehel Dokhtar Minaret in Esfahan. The same is adorned with brick work and 'kufi' inscriptions. This Minaret was constructed in the year 501 AH. by 'Abol Fath Nahuji' during the reign of Soltan Mohammad Ebne Malek Shah Saljuqi.
Baz Dome, Natanz
This dome is in the southwest of the city of Natanz, and located in the heights of the Karkas Mountains. This dome is octagon in shape, with an approximate diameter of 10.5 m, and to an elevation of 0.8 - 3 m. The dimension of each side is 3.34 m, and the diameter of its base or foundation is 1.80 m. This structure is constructed of brick and gypsum, and can be considered as a masterpiece of Iranian architecture.
Baq-e-Qooshkhaneh Minaret, Esfahan
This minaret is situated in the Joobareh vicinity and is a vestige of the 8th century AH, and is beautifully worked with tiles. Its name relates to the fact that this structure was near one of the royal gardens, where the falcons of the monarch, Shah Abbas I were housed.
Ali Mosque Minaret, Esfahan
This minaret is located in the ancient square of Esfahan near the Ali Mosque, and is a construction of the 6th century AH. The same displays fine brickwork and inscriptions in the 'kufi' script.
Other Caravansaries, Esfahan
These are named as, Sheikh Ali Khan, Jarchi Bashi, Teemcheh-e-Jahangir, Saray-e-Sefid, Mirza Kuchak, Mir Ismail and Khansariha in the bazaar of Esfahan. Maranjab, Amin-ud-Douleh, Gomrok, Mooteh and Gabr Abad in Kashan. Bazaar-e-Zavareh in Zavareh, Behjat Abad on the Esfahan - Natanz Road, Chahar Borj on the Esfahan - Kashan Road, the Gez caravansary north of Esfahan, Bahram on the Esfahan - Tehran Road, Madar-e-Shah in the north of Esfahan, Taqi Abad, Golgoon Abad, Yagmeesh and Khargoosh on the Esfahan Road, and Dambi caravansary amongst others in Esfahan province.
Sio Seh Pol (Allah Verdy Khan) Bridge, Esfahan
This bridge is approximately 300 m. in length and 14 m. in width, and is one of the masterpieces in bridge construction in Iran and the world. The same was constructed in 1005 AH. under the supervision and expense of Allah Verdy Khan, one of the famous commanders of Shah Abbas Safavid I. The Armenians used to hold special festivities near this bridge in the Safavid period. It was constructed on the Zayandeh Rood river.
Shahrestan Bridge, Esfahan
This bridge is located in the east of Esfahan and is an interesting piece of architecture. The same is a relic of the Sassanide period.
Sansan Carvansery, Esfahan
The same lies in the Sansan Village, at a distance of 40 km. on the Qom - Kashan road. This is a square structure with four porches and constructed of brick, sun baked bricks and clay. Adornments of brick can be observed here. The facade displays 14 arched roofs, and the entrance hall has three arched ceilings and springs. Each of the four sections of this caravansary has 16 rooms.
Sa'adat Abad (Pol-e-Jooye) Bridge, Esfahan
The said bridge is narrow in width and 147 m. in length. It was constructed on the Zayandeh Rood River, between the two bridges of Allah Verdy Khan and Khajoo. The same is a remnant of Shah Abbas II. This bridge connects the royal gardens on the northern and southern banks of the Zayandeh Rood river, with that of the gardens of Sa'adat Abad and other reputed constructions. Besides being a promenade for the royalty, commanders, the elite and special envoys.
Marnan (Marbin) Bridge, Esfahan
This bridge connects the northern and southern banks of the Zayandeh Rood River. It is a remnant of the Safavid era, and today has undergone repairs repeatedly.
Mahyar Carvansery, Esfahan
This caravansary with its four porches is to the dimensions of 82 x 89 sq. m. and with a rectangular courtyard covering an area of 48.30 x 38.70 sq. m. is located in the south of Esfahan in the village of Mahyar. The chambers of this caravansary are 4 x 5 sq. m. Structures such as the mill, bakery, traditional teahouse and bazaar of this caravansary bear historical value.
Khajoo (Shahi) Bridge, Esfahan
The above mentioned took its foundation in the late Teimooride period, and was constructed according to what it is currently in 1060 AH, under the orders of Shah Abbas II. Its cubicles, adornments and tile work are interesting aspects of this constructions. There is a structure in the center of the bridge, known as the Beglarbegi construction. The same was used as a temporary residence for the royal family. The name of this bridge is a distorted version of the word 'Khajeh' which was a title for great personalities in the Safavid era. It was constructed on the Zayandeh Rood River.
Sharifkhaneh or Gomrok Arcade, Esfahan
'Aqa Sharif Fadayi' constructed this three storeyed structure in the late Qajar period. Its interesting aspects are the vaulted tile work adorning the chambers and its beautiful paintings depicting hunting scenes.
Sabaq Arcade, Esfahan
The said is a relic of the Qajar era. It is in three floors and has two courtyards.
Malek-ol-Tojar Arcade, Esfahan
The same is a relic of the Qajar period and is connected to the bazaar of Kashan by way of large wooden doorways.
Kashan Bazaar, Kashan
One of the important and attractive structures of Kashan is its ancient and large bazaar. Its primary structure dates to the 7th century AH. The same is extremely beautiful and has splendid ceilings. Here there are innumerable caravansaries, arcades, water reservoirs etc. present.
Esfahan Bazaar, Esfahan
This bazaar is a relic of the Safavid era and prolongs from the Qasariyeh facade to the Jame' Mosque. This bazaar is also known as the 'Bazaar-e-Nezamiyeh' or 'Nezam-ol-Molk'
Aminodolleh Arcade, Kashan
This three storeyed building with its grand entrance is an affect of 'Farrokh Khan Qaffari-e-Kashi', (known as Aminodolleh) who completed this structure in the year 1285 AH.
Provincial Battle Feilds, Esfahan
Around Esfahan are various such areas that are tourist attractions. These examples are the vicinities where the Iran-Arab combats took place, and that of Nader Shah and his battle against Ashraf Afqan. Besides the vicinity where Soltan Hossain fought against Mahmood Afqan.
Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Esfahan
This square is from the period of Shah Abbas I, and has a length of 500 m. from north to south, and its width being approximately 165 m. Surrounding this vicinity are the Abbasi Mosque and Sheikh Lotf Ol-lah Mosque, the Qaisarieh portal and the Ali Qapoo Edifice. During the reign of Shah Abbas I and his successors, this square was an area where festivities, polo, dramatics and military parades took place.
Dovecotes, Esfahan
Dovecotes or such turrets are in plenty in the agricultural vicinities of Esfahan. These have been built with the purpose of collecting the excreta of these birds. The turrets are topped with domes with crevices so as to facilitate the access and exit of these birds, and guide them to their nests within this structure. These are distinct examples of Iranian architecture and have been built of brick and gypsum. At present there are over 100 such dovecotes in Esfahan province.
Other Old Schools, Esfahan
These are the following: Baba Qasem, Jaddeh, Mirza Hossain, Kaseh Garan, Nimavard, Jalaliyeh, Shams Abad and the Bozorg Sadr School in Esfahan. The Alavi and Khansar Schools are other ancient schools of the province.
Molla Abdollah School, Esfahan
The same is located in the bazaar of Esfahan, and was a premises for prayer and theological studies by reputed clergies, named as, 'Molla Abdollah Shooshtari', during the reign of Shah Abbas I.
Other Old Houses, Esfahan
Other ancient houses are the followings: Akhavan Kharrazi, Pirnia, Jamal Qodassieh, Sheikh-ol-Islam and Haj Mohammad Taqi Lavaf in Esfahan. Habibi and Sowt-ol-Molk in Khansar. Sarifian, Haj Seyed Aqa, Hakim Bashi, Haj Saleh, Lajeverdi, Naraqi, Tabatabaiha, Ameriha and many such ancient houses in Kashan, are archaic premises located in Esfahan province.
Borujerdiha House, Kashan
The said premises is located in Kashan and was constructed during the years 1292-1310 AH. by 'Haj Seyed Jaffar Natanzi' a merchant who conducted business in Borujerd and Kashan as well. He constructed this house in order to evade religious levies. The entrance to the premises is from an octagonal vestibule and an area utilized by pageboys adorned with a number of multilateral crescents and skylights in the ceiling.
This historical edifice was constructed during the reign of Shah Soleiman Safavid. Today, only a minor portion of the grounds remains. However, tile work with interesting designs, which are the remnants of this palace can be noted.
Fin Historical Edifice and Garden, Kashan
This garden is located to the south of the city of Kashan and near the village of Fin. The same was constructed on the former structures of the Al-e-Booyeh era. Its general layout and aqua system has been rendered special attention. This vicinity gained fame due to the murder of Amir Kabir, the reputed nationalist and Prime Minister (Grand Chancellor) of Nasereddin Shah Qajar. Amir Kabir was assassinated in a small bath here in the year 1268 AH. by the order of the Shah. This garden is a relic from the Safavid period, and has remained such for centuries due to the capacity of water it gains from the Soleimaniyeh spring. Today, this water flows into the 'Lasegah' pool after meandering through this beautiful garden, and providing water for the surrounding areas.
The Chehel Sotune Palace and its garden cover an area of approximately 67,000 sq. m. This palace was constructed during the reign of Shah Abbas I. Shah Abbas II was also responsible for additions to this palace, such as the hall of mirrors, the hall of 18 pillars and two large chambers facing the north and south. The spectacular hall of mirrors with its decorative mirror work, tile work and paintings, along with its majestic porches and pool which faces this hall, all add to its splendor.
This structure is within the palace and was erected during the reign of Shah Abbas II with the aid of scaffolds. The roof of which is flat and supported by thick, tall columns covered with gold. The said structure was put under repair about fifty years ago, in order to prevent it from being destroyed.
Ali Qapoo Edifice, Esfahan
This palace was also called 'Daulat Khaneh-e-Mobarakeh Nagsh-e-Jahan' and the 'Daulat Khaneh Palace'. Its unique archaic architecture is related to the Safavid era. This edifice was constructed under the orders of Shah Abbas I. The monarch would receive special envoys in this palace and hold his audience here. Valuable miniature paintings, the works of the reputed artist of the times Reza Abbassi, and other traditional works of art can be noted here.
