Naghshe Jahan

Naghshe Jahan Square (Naqsh-e Jahan)

Every day in the tranquility of morning the sun rises over Naghshe Jahan Square and shines over the mosaic work of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque to create a beautiful scene with cream and pink colors in front of your eyes.

Naghshe Jahan square is a showcase of the Safavid Dynasty, which makes it obvious to every visitor who takes a tour to Iran that Isfahan was the capital of Persia not too long ago.

The three main components of power in Persia during the Safavid days are present at Naqsh-e Jahan square. The bazaar as the merchant’s power, the mosque as the clergy’s, and the palace as the king’s power are gathered in this square.

Around Naghshe Jahan square sits hundreds of stores selling handicrafts unique to this city.

Two striking mosques face Imam Square. The smaller one, Sheikh Lotfollah was built for the women of the Shah’s harem. In your tour to Iran, if you have had a precise look at the numerous mosques of the country, you probably have realized that minarets and courtyards are among the main parts of a mosque. But Sheikh Lotfollah’s neither has minarets nor a courtyard because it was not for public use and the Shah decided to make it special.

Lattice windows, exquisite tile work, and elaborate decorations with light Turkish blue and dark Persian blue make the Imam mosques’ atmosphere calming and spiritually healing. Islam forbids images therefore mosques have decorative designs and scripts.

And there is the Shah’s palace on the opposite side of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. A six-story palace named Ali Qapu meaning “The Great Gate”. The king of Persia would sit on the terrace on the third floor of Ali Qapu to watch Chowgan (polo), maneuvers, and horse racing with his special quests. The walls and ceilings of rooms, corridors, and stairways are decorated by stunning paintings of Safavid artists.

Naghshe Jahan Square, a vitrine of the most beautiful artistic works from the Safavid era, became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 and is the highlight of every culture tour to Iran.

If you are planning to visit Iran, here is the link to Iran online visa form.

chalus

Chalus Road, Iran: Photos, History, Things to Do

Chalus Road (Chaloos Road) is on the 20 of the world’s most spectacular roads list. If you are thinking about having a tour to Iran, consider traveling on this road to the North of Iran as well. For those who have traveled on this road, it is not strange to see Chalus on this list. Millions of travelers throughout the year take this route to the northern part of Iran not only to enjoy the spectacular landscape of this part of the country but also to enjoy the road as much as the destination. Chalus Road connects the city of Karaj to Chaloos.

History of Chalus Road

About a century ago during the Qajar Dynasty, there was no connecting road between Karaj and Chalus, so the project was initiated during this era. This road crosses through Alborz Mountains and as a result, there were a lot of penetrations through rocks and mountains and workers had to work with the most basic tools such as pickaxe and shovel to carve the tunnels. In 1933 Chalus Road was open for public use. After two years another major project started the Kandovan Tunnel with an 1886m length, which makes the trip 13 kilometers shorter. Kandovan is the eleventh tunnel on Chalus and it took four years to be completed.

Visiting Chalus on your tour to Iran at any season is appealing. The road crawls up on the mountains next to the beautiful valleys that each season has its own beautiful color; lush green springs and summers, vibrant yellow and red autumns, and all-white winters.

Attractions Nearby Chalus

Karaj Dam on the Karaj River that runs along this road is one of the main water sources of the capital and one of the most popular picnic areas for passengers of Chalus. After the dam, we get to the historical attractions of Chalus. There are a lot of historical villages that still have inhabitants and so many historical castles and palaces that have remained from the Sassanian Empire. Attractions along this 160km (100 miles) road are numerous. Besides the gorgeous landscape, waterfalls, and springs, there are historical sites as well. There is a castle called Salsal that dates back before the arrival of Islam in Iran, around 1400 years ago.

Namakabrud

The coastal town of Namakabrud lies near the Chalus Road in Iran. Known for its beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters, it is a popular getaway destination for tourists. You can try the most delicious seafood cuisine in Namakabrud, which is a must-try for every visitor. Namakabrud is perfect for anyone looking for beach relaxation, cultural exploration, or delicious food. Another fun thing to do in Namakabrud is ride its cable cars. Namakabrud Telecabin is one of the many famous attractions near Chalus. The view of the vast greenery of Namakabrud before your eyes is truly a magnificent experience. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Namakabrud is a hidden gem that you won’t want to miss near Chalus Road.

chalus road

Namakabrud Telecabin in Chalus

Valasht Lake

Valasht Lake is a scenic natural wonder near Chalus Road in Iran. Known for its cool waters and stunning surroundings, Valasht Lake is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. You can experience hiking, camping, fishing, and boating, at Valasht Lake. Amidst the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere, this is a perfect place to relax and rest. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Valasht Lake should be on your travel itinerary. Make sure you visit Valasht Lake near Chalus Road if you’re planning a trip to Iran and experience the natural beauty of this incredible site.

On a tour to Iran when you travel on Chalus Road you don’t think about your destination; the road becomes the destination.

Chalus Road after 82 years is still one of the main roads of Iran and every spring and summer most Iranians take this route for a vacation in the coastal region of the Caspian Sea.

If you have planned to visit Iran, here you can find the information on Iran online visa.