If you want
to find the best examples of the city’s design skill then it’s a good idea to
look up at the monuments’ ceilings. From Incredible tile-working of Imam Mosque
to intricate paintings of Vank Cathedral, some of the most exceptional examples
of artistry can be found just above your head.
One of the favorite
spots in Isfahan included Naghshe Jahan Square, which houses a couple mosques
and also is where you can watch the magnificent of Persian and Islamic
architecture.
You could
wander around the mosque for days, simply staring at the different patterns to
be found on the wall, and don’t forget to look up, as some of the most
beautiful architecture is actually located on the ceiling.From royal purples to
glittering golds, the ceilings and walls of Sheikh lotfollah mosque are completely covered in patterns of
classical Persian and Islamic art. Many motifs have a mandala-like structure
with a central point that radiates different shapes and hues.
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| Sheikh lotfollah mosque in Isfahan |
Vank Cathedral, the
Church of the Saintly Sisters, is placed in one of the oldest parts of Isfahan
called Jolfa which was constructed in a barberry garden. The church has a great
dome, high ceilings and beautiful arches and is currently a vicarage for
Armenians in Iran and India. The creation story of Adam and Eve which is
depicted by Armenian artists can be seen around the central dome. A picture of
Jesus Christ is painted in the center and an attractive giant bell made of
stone that rests on four pillars is in the corner of the church. It is famous
for its mural paintings and the world’s third best Armenian Museum is located
in it.
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| Vank Cathedral in Isfahan |
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.
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| Ali qapoo music hall in Isfahan |
