Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah was built between 1603 and 1619 as a part of Naqsh-e Jahan Square complex by decision of Shah Abbas. Since Ali Qapu Palace, located on the west side of the square, was a residence of the Shah and his family, the complex needed a mosque that would be appropriate for the Shah to pray and also comply with the beauty and majesty of the square. Unlike the Imam Mosque, which was designed for public praying, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was the private mosque for the family of Shah Abbas. The doors of the mosque were always closed and guarded, so ordinary people could admire the mosque only after centuries. To avoid being seen while crossing the square from Ali Qapu Palace to the mosque, Shah and his wives used a tunnel under the square.

Due to the fact that Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was designed to be a private mosque, it is smaller than Imam Mosque, and has no minarets. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, in contrast with the most important structures in Iran, does not follow the direction of Mecca, so Shaykh Bahai, the chief architect of the project, faced a challenge while designing two mosques of the square. Like Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque has an entrance portal that turns right, forcing the visitor to face the direction of Mecca when entering the mosque. The paintings and interior tiles were made by Reza Abbasi, famous Iranian artist, and its quality and beauty overcome exceed anything created In Iran before. The walls, dome, entrances of the mosque are decorated with the so-called seven-color tiles, calligraphy, inscriptions of some chapters from Quran, names of Imams, and poetry.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque stands in the eastern part of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which is located in the very center of Isfahan, surrounded by many other attractions. The north end if the square through Qeisarie Gate turns to the Imperial Bazaar – the main bazaar of Isfahan. On the southern side of the square, there is a majestic Shah Mosque located. In walking distance from the square, there are Shah Historical Bath, Chehel Sotoon Palace, and Hasht Behesht Palace. After 20 minutes’ walk, you will reach Si-o-Se Bridge.

The opening hours of the mosque are based on the praying schedule. So you can enter Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque from 9.00 till 11.30 and from 13.00 till 16.00 in winter, from 9.00 till 12.30 and from 14.00 till 18.00 in summer. After visiting the mosque take a walk around Naqsh-e Jahan Square. It is believed that the best time to visit the square is evening when the sunset light caresses the domes of the square.