With its tiled mosques and exotic palaces, the city of Isfahan is considered by many to be the jewel in the Iranian crown. The central square, Naghsh-é Jahan, is framed by a series of elegant archways and contains several of the city’s most important monuments. Masjid-é Imam, the Imam Mosque, was built by Shah Abbas the Great during the city’s Golden Age in the early 17th century. The women’s mosque, the Sheikh Lotfollah, is decorated with exquisite Persian tilework and is the highlight of the square for many visitors. The magnificent Ali Qapu Palace stands opposite. The central area consists of a formal park and a lake with a fountain and covered bazaar which leads out of the square to the enormous Masjid-é Jamé (Friday Mosque).
Air: Tehran Mehrabad International Airport, Isfahan Airport (domestic flights). Road: Coach: Services from Tehran.

Isfahan Tourist Office, Naghsh-é Jahan, Isfahan, Iran
Tel: (0311) 663 5231
Website: www.itto.org

Iran Touring and Tourism Organisation (ITTO)
238 Sindhokht Street, Fatemi Avenue, Tehran, Iran
Tel: (021) 643 5650. Fax: (021) 643 5689.
E-mail: itto.admin@sr.co.ir
Website: www.irantourism.org
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
16 Prince’s Gate, London SW7 1PT, UK
Tel: (020) 7225 3000. Fax: (020) 7589 4440. E-mail: info@iran-embassy.org.uk
Website: www.iran-embassy.org.uk