Isfahan is one of the oldest cities of Iran with the 1,001,000 population located 414 km south of Tehran and 481 km north of Shiraz. This 2500 years old city served as Persia's capital from 1598 to 1722.
Esfahan was a crossroad of international trade and diplomacy, and therefore was a kaleidoscope of resident languages, religions, and customs. The city is known for its silver filigree and metal work.
This city is renowned not only for the abundance of great historical monuments, but also for its Life-Giving River, The [[Zayandeh-Rood]], which has given the city an original beauty and a fertile land. Esfahan is filled with old gardens and some of the best sights in Iran.
After selection of Esfahan as capital by Shah Abbas I (1587-1629) who unified Persia it reached to its pinnacle of briskness. Esfahan had parks, libraries and mosques that amazed Europeans, who had not seen anything like this at home. The Persians called it Nisf-e-Jahan, half the world; meaning that to see it was to see half the world.
Esfahan became one of the world's most elegant cities. In its heyday it was also one of the largest with a population of one million; 163 mosques, 48 religious schools, 1801 shops and 263 public baths.
Esfahan, regarding its historical and geographic conditions, was paid attention during Pahlavi time and some endeavors were made for repair and restoration of historical monuments. Moreover, Isfahan and the province redeveloped and industrialized rapidly. During last two decades, Esfahan developed with a very high rate of acceleration from urban development point of view, highly observing restoration of historical monuments.
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Attractions
Squares and Streets
[[Naqsh-e-Jahan Square]] also known as shah square or imam square-1602.
Meydan Kohne (Kohne Square)
Shahshahan square
Chaharbagh Boulevard - 1596.
Chaharbagh-e-khajou Boulevard
Mosques
The stunning mosques of Isfahan are among the most beautiful and interesting in the world.
Imam Mosque (it was called Shahcmosque before Iran's Revolution)
Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque
Jame Mosque
Palaces
[[Ali Qapu]] (The Royal Palace) - Early 17th Century
Talar Ashraf (The Palace of Ashraf) - 1650.
Hasht Behesht (The Palace of Eight Paradises) - 1669.
Chehel Sotoun (The Palace of forty columns) - 1647.
Schools
Madreseye Sadr
Madreseye Shah (Imam Jafar Sadegh after revolution)
Madreseye Khajoo
Caravanserais
Carvanserai Shah
Bridges
Pol-e Shahrestan (The Shahrestan Bridge) - 11th Century.
[[Pol-e Khaju]] (Khaju Bridge) - 1650.
Si-o-Seh Pol (The Bridge of 33 Arches) - 1602.
Pol-e-Joui or choobi(Joui bridge)
Pol-e-Maarnaan (Maarnaan Bridge)
Churches and Cathedrals
Vank Cathedral - 17th century.
Kelisaye maryam (maryam church)
others include
Atashgah - a Zoroastrian fire temple. This temple is dramatically set atop a rock on the outskirts of Esfahan and provides a commanding view of the city (although much of it is covered in smog). You can take one of the blue buses (ask at the drivers), which will take you there.
Hot Spots 
