Ali Qapu Palace is located in front of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque on the western side of Naqshe Jahan Square. This palace was built in three stories that each level divided into two floors with specific ornamentation. Miniature and Stucco are the ornamentations of this mansion that made it as an exclusive and eye-catching masterpiece of Safavid era. One of the impressive features of this palace is its various view from a different side. You can see two floors from the eastern side, five floors from the western side, and three floors from the sides of the mansion.
Shah Abbas decided to change the Safavid capital from Qazvin to Isfahan between 973 and 977. So, a building was built as the headquarters and state government of Shah Abbas, and Ali Qapu Palace considered as the entrance of that. This palace was the residence of Zell-e Soltan during the Qajar era. Although the attack of Afghans and the other wars have damage Ali Qapu Palace, it is still steady that represents the stability of Islamic Architecture.
Due to the climate of Isfahan Province, you will experience a hot summer in Isfahan. Spring is the best time to visit Ali Qapu Palace. During visit this palace don’t miss the other three monuments of Naqshe Jahan Square. The visiting hour is from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Also, entrance fee costs 200,00 IRR for foreign visitors.
You can get there via public transportation as follows:
Bus: To reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square, you should use the buses on the square of Imam Hussain (AS) - the Ghadir Gardens of the East Terminal, or Imam Hussain Square (AS) - use the Hasht Behesht of the Khorasgan Terminal and get off at the Imam Square Station.
Metro: The best and nearest station is Imam Hossein Square. Then you can reach Naqsh-e Jahan Square by taxi.