Ali Qapoo Music Hall

 

Built at the very end of the 16th century, Ali Qapu, is one of the most magnificent palaces of the Persian Empire’s Safavid Era. This six-storied monument is located on the western side of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square opposite to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and had been originally designed as a vast portal.  The elegant Ali Qapu mansion on the sixth floor has a large completely plastered hall, which is also known as the music hall. The interweaving beauty of architecture and science of acoustics performed in this hall, proves the ingenuity of Iranian architects. This hall’s ornamentation is a smart decorative invention of Safavid era, based on the physical recognition of the sound and its reflective characteristic. Besides providing beauty to this glorious hall, this jar-shaped cornices caused the sound of music to spread more clearly and vividly. In ceremonies and feasts Iranian music masters gathered in music hall and played heavenly music pieces by traditional music instruments such as setar, kamancheh, tonbak, daf and etc. This magical hall still echoes the sounds of Iranian history and peaceful culture. Walk through the ancient yet alive remains of Naqsh e Jahan Square and touch the memories of Safavid days in Isfahan.