Khaju Bridge

Located in Isfahan, Khaju Bridge dates to the Safavid era. Formerly, there was a bridge which wasn’t strong enough to exploit. That’s why Shah Abbas II decided to build a brand-new one instead, on the base of the original. Crossing the famous Zayandehrud River, near Saadat Abad Garden and Ayeneh Mansion, it was used to connect Khaju Neighborhood and Takht-e Foolad.

The extended bridge is about 150 m long and 14 m wide. The stone-brick structure is well fortified and exposes one of the greatest architectural works of the Safavids. Holding 47 inlets and outlets, altogether, it organizes flows of water with its slide gates.

The bridge once served as a passage for caravans and pedestrians. It was also a royal resort for the kings and his courtiers; Khaghani, a Persian poet, mentions that on Nowruz holidays the whole place was decorated by colorful lamps, following an order by Shah Abbas II, and turned into a venue for New Year’s celebrations.

The arched bridge features intricate tiling and wall paintings; sumptuously decorated, it is a genuine masterpiece of Persian architecture and has been praised by international visitors and world explorers. The American specialist on architectural aesthetics, Arthur Upham Pope (February 7, 1881 – September 3, 1969) has described the monument as “one of the most interesting bridges extant”.

The two-storey-bridge holds a centerpiece octagonal chamber where you can enjoy an admirable view of the city.

A great attraction for travelers, Khaju Bridge is packed on holidays and weekends. Perhaps the most amazing view can be seen at night when the impressively-lit bridge offers a lot of options for photographers. In some national festivities the lighting shows illuminate the bridge.