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Hasht Behesht Palace
Located at the heart of Isfahan, Hasht Behesht Palace is a mesmerizing relic of Iranian classical architecture, set amidst a sprawling garden that has since transformed into a public park. Once the opulent summer residence of Iran’s former kings, this historic palace draws visitors with its enchanting design and serene surroundings. While entrance to the palace grounds is free, a small fee grants access to the palace itself, though only the ground floor is open for exploration.
Hasht Behesht Palace, a testament to the grandeur of Shah Soleiman Safavid’s reign, captivates with its intricate tile work and fascinating designs, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Though much of the original grounds have been lost to time, the remnants of Hasht Behesht still resonate with historical significance. The surviving tile work, adorned with captivating motifs, provides a vivid snapshot of the palace’s former glory.
Visitors can stroll through the lush garden, imagining the splendor that once was, while the palace itself stands as a silent witness to the opulence and architectural prowess of the Safavid era.
Hasht Behesht History
Isfahan’s grandeur owes much to the visionary endeavors of the Safavid Era, particularly under the reign of Shah Abbas, the first king of the Safavid Empire. Declaring Isfahan as the capital, Shah Abbas sought to elevate its status by commissioning the creation of Chahar Bagh Street, a magnificent thoroughfare flanked by verdant gardens. Unfortunately, time has claimed many of these lush retreats, sparing only the Chehel Sotoun and Hasht Behesht Gardens.
Despite the loss of much of its original splendor, the Hasht Behesht Palace remains a vibrant testament to Iran history and culture, its name once evoking the celestial imagery of “The Entrance to Heaven” in Persian.
Constructed in 1669, Hasht Behesht Palace quickly garnered a reputation as “the most beautiful palace in the world.” Though the passage of centuries has eroded the surrounding garden’s allure, the palace itself endures as a lively historical monument. In 1964, stewardship of the garden was entrusted to Iran’s Culture and Art Ministry, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The palace’s enduring charm offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Safavid kings and the architectural prowess that defined an era.
Hasht Behesht Architecture
In the realm of architecture, Hasht Behesht Palace exemplifies a distinctive floor plan prevalent in Persian and Mughal designs, where eight chambers elegantly encircle a central room. This layout, characterized by its octagonal forms, symbolizes the eight levels of paradise in Islamic belief.
However, the inspiration for this architectural style extends beyond Islamic traditions, drawing upon diverse cultural influences. For instance, the Chinese magic square, traditionally used for purposes like crop rotation, finds a parallel in the mathematical wafq utilized by Muslim scholars.
The architectural paradigm of Hasht Behesht also resonates with the ninefold schemes prominent in Indian mandalas, which serve as cosmic maps in Hinduism and Buddhism. These multi-faceted influences highlight the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and aesthetics that shaped the palace’s design.
The intricate blend of symbolism and practicality in Hasht Behesht’s architecture not only showcases the sophisticated artistry of its creators but also reflects a rich tapestry of cultural interconnectedness spanning from the Islamic world to China and India.
How to Get to Hasht Behesht
By Car
To reach Hasht Behesht Palace by car, drive along Chahar Bagh Street. When you get to Darvazeh Dowlat Square, turn onto Bagh-e Goldaste Street. Look to your right, and you will see the palace. It is in the center of Isfahan and easy to find.
By Bus
If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus to get to the palace. The closest bus stop is the Municipal Bus Station. Get off at this station, and it is a short walk to Hasht Behesht Palace. This makes it easy and convenient to visit the palace using the bus.
Working Hours of Hasht Behesht
If you’re planning to visit Hasht Behesht Palace, it’s open from 09:00 to 16:00. You have plenty of time during these hours to explore the palace and its beautiful gardens. Whether you come in the morning or afternoon, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the palace’s history and stunning architecture.
Recommended Sightseeing Time of Hasht Behesht
In spring, the gardens around Hasht Behesht Palace look especially beautiful. The green plants start to grow and look fresh, almost like shiny jewels in the garden. This makes the whole place look even more special and adds to the beauty of the old Persian building.
Where to Eat Near Hasht Behesht
Nobahar Restaurant
Nobahar Restaurant is a nice little place hidden on the busy Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street, not far from the famous Naqsh-e Jahan Square. This new-style restaurant is in a cozy basement, giving people a quiet place away from the noisy city. Many people who like good food say they love the cholo gardan here, which is a dish that locals really enjoy. Lots of people come back just to eat it again. Nobahar is a great place to stop and eat after you’ve been walking around and looking at sights all day.
Shahrzad Restaurant
If you want to eat in a place that feels more like old Iran, you should go to Shahrzad Restaurant. This famous place has been cooking and serving real Persian food for a very long time. Many people think it’s one of the best restaurants in all of Isfahan. You can eat really good kebabs here, and they also make yummy stews that smell wonderful. The inside of Shahrzad Restaurant is very pretty, with beautiful tiles on the walls and shiny pieces of mirror everywhere. When you eat here, it feels like you’ve gone back in time to when kings ruled Persia.
Where to Stay Near Hasht Behesht
Abbasi Hotel
If you want to stay somewhere really, really fancy, you should think about the Abbasi Hotel. This hotel has five stars, which means it’s super fancy. People often say it’s the oldest hotel in all of the Middle East. Abbasi Hotel is special because it looks old and new at the same time. It used to be a place where traders would stop to rest 300 years ago, but now it’s a beautiful hotel. When you go inside, you’ll see pretty designs that look like they’re from long ago.
There are also lovely gardens and very nice rooms. The hotel has yummy restaurants where you can eat, places where you can relax and feel good, and the people who work there are very helpful. If you want to feel like a king or queen while you’re in Isfahan, Abbasi Hotel is the place to stay.
Piroozy Hotel
Piroozy Hotel is a really good place to stay that has been making people happy for more than 40 years. This hotel has four stars, which means it’s pretty fancy. It’s right in the middle of the city, so it’s easy to get to all the old and important places you might want to see. Some people who come from other countries say that it might not be as fancy as four-star hotels they know from home, but that’s okay.
What’s great about Piroozy Hotel is where it is. It’s on a famous street called Chaharbagh Avenue, and it’s very close to a big, beautiful square called Naqsh-e Jahan Square. If you want to learn a lot about Isfahan and its special way of life, staying at the Piroozy Hotel is a good choice.
Other Attractions Near Hasht Behesht
Naghsh-e Jahan Square
Not far from Hasht Behesht Palace, you can find the really big and beautiful Naghsh-e Jahan Square. This place is so special that it’s on a list of important places in the whole world. The square is one of the biggest you can find anywhere, and it’s full of things to see and do. Around the edges, there are pretty buildings like the Shah Mosque, which has a big blue top. Lots of people, both from Isfahan and from other places, like to walk around the square.
You can buy things from the old-style shops or just sit in a nice little cafe and watch people go by. It’s a fun place to spend time and see how people in Isfahan live.
Chehel Sotoun Palace
If you walk a little bit more, you’ll come to Chehel Sotoun Palace. This is another really pretty building that shows how good Persian builders were. People call it the “Palace of Forty Columns” because it has a big room with lots of mirrors and pretty pictures on the walls that show things that happened long ago. In front of the palace, there’s a long pool of water. When you look at the building and its reflection in the water, it looks like there are forty columns, even though there aren’t really that many.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Close by, you can also see Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. This mosque is different from others because it’s smaller and was built just for the king and his family. It has a round top that’s light in color with pretty blue and green tiles on it. When you go inside, it feels very quiet and peaceful, which is nice after being in busy places.
FAQs about Hasht Behesht
Q1: Where is Hasht Behesht Palace located?
A1: It is located in the heart of Isfahan, Iran.
Q2: What are the opening hours of Hasht Behesht Palace?
A2: The palace is open from 09:00 to 16:00.
Q3: How can I get to Hasht Behesht Palace by bus?
A3: Take a bus to the Municipal Bus Station and walk a short distance to the palace.
Q4: What is unique about Hasht Behesht Palace’s architecture?
A4: The palace has an eight-chamber layout symbolizing the eight levels of paradise in Islamic belief.
Q5: Are there any nearby attractions to Hasht Behesht Palace?
A5: Yes, nearby attractions include Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Chehel Sotoun Palace, and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.
Last Words: Discover the Best of Hasht Behesht Palace with a Customized Tour
Hasht Behesht Palace is located in the center of Isfahan, Iran. It is a beautiful old palace that was once the summer home of Iran’s former kings. The palace is surrounded by a large garden that is now a public park. Visitors can explore the palace grounds for free, but there is a small fee to go inside the palace building. Only the ground floor is open to visitors. The palace itself is an impressive example of classical Iranian architecture from the time of Shah Soleiman Safavid. It features intricate tilework and fascinating designs that give a glimpse into the past.
If you want to make the most of your visit to the stunning Hasht Behesht Palace, it’s best to plan your trip to Iran through a customized tours package. With a customized To Iran Tour package, you can ensure you allocate the perfect amount of time to explore Hasht Behesht Palace and its enchanting gardens. Their local guides can provide in-depth commentary on the palace’s fascinating history and architecture, enhancing your appreciation for this magnificent Safavid-era landmark.
To Iran Tour is here to help you have an unforgettable journey through the best of Iran, especially Hasht Besesht Palace.
