Hasht Behesht Palace

Hasht Behesht Palace is one of the most beautiful and distinctive examples of Safavid-era architecture in Isfahan, set in the middle of a scenic garden known as the "Bulbul Garden" (Bagh-e Bolbol). The palace was built in 1080 AH (lunar Hijri) during the reign of Shah Suleiman of the Safavid dynasty. With its two-storey structure, elegantly designed arches, muqarnas work and stunning interior decoration, it presents a captivating display of the art and splendour of the Safavid period. Its architecture follows the Isfahani style, and since that time it has been known by names such as "Hasht be Hasht" and "Hasht dar Behesht".

The two-storey building has a unique design in the Isfahani architectural style and is considered one of the artistic masterpieces of its era. Exquisite decorations such as colourful tilework with floral and animal motifs, delicate mirror work, wall paintings and carved wooden columns give both its interior and exterior a captivating look. The palace is designed on the "Hasht Behesht" pattern: a central space surrounded by eight rooms, with magnificent iwans and graceful arcaded facades visible on the exterior. In the Qajar period, the building briefly became the Homayouni School, housing the first modern educational centre in Isfahan.

The Hasht Behesht pavilion stands in a large garden that was once part of the vast Naqsh-e Jahan garden. The garden was first laid out in the time of Shah Ismail I and was later divided into several plots, especially during the reign of Shah Abbas I. The Bulbul Garden, where Hasht Behesht Palace is located, already existed in the time of Shah Safi, and under Shah Abbas II and Shah Suleiman its beauty was further enhanced by the planting of more trees. It is believed that the building was the residence of eight of the king's favourite harem women, four of whom lived on the first floor and the other four on the second.

Getting to Hasht Behesht Palace is very easy. The building lies within Shahid Rajaee Park and can be reached on foot in a few minutes from Si-o-se-pol (the Allahverdi Khan Bridge) and Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street. The Imam Hossein metro station and BRT bus lines are also nearby. A visit to this historic monument usually takes one to two hours. The best time to visit is spring and summer, although in autumn and winter the delightful views of the garden and the palace's architecture also offer a unique beauty for enthusiasts.