Hasht-Behesht Persian Palace in Isfahan

In the heart of Iranian Isfahan, in the central park, is the most beautiful Persian palace of the Safavid era - Hasht-Behesht. It was built in 1669 in the center of the nightingale garden on the orders of Shah Suleiman I. Translated from Farsi, the name of the palace means “8 paradise gardens”, and these are not empty words - for Iran this palace with its richest paintings is really like paradise.

The palace has long been used as a resting place for the royal family, but over time it was neglected and began to collapse. The last half a century has been undergoing its restoration, but it is still far from complete, the second floor, where the famous golden room is located, has not been opened. Nevertheless, the premises of the first floor are enough to appreciate the magnificence of the architecture of the palace.

There are two floors and 20 rooms, all of them, like the building as a whole, are symmetrical. This explains the number "8" in the title. It is believed that the palace was supposed to resemble a diamond in shape. Indeed, the building has an octagonal base, octagonal columns, an octagonal central pool and many other elements.

The palace itself is located in a wonderful, well-groomed park.

Golden room.

Accustomed to the unusual rainbow shapes of the palace, you begin to consider painting on the walls and ceilings. These are mainly traditional patterns, and many more nightingales.

The ceilings in the palace, decorated with carved mirrors, like the sky and stars, everything sparkles here in sunny weather.

Directly opposite the palace there is an avenue of fountains.

Entrance to the palace is paid - 150,000 Iranian rials, which is equal to 3.5 dollars. But the palace itself is small, a careful examination of it will take no more than 20 minutes.

If you are in Isfahan, then right across the road from the palace is Iran Iran, a very good hotel for Iran - English-speaking staff, inexpensive and excellent location.