Isfahan Tour Packages & Travel Information
Isfahan province
Isfahan is one of the central provinces of Iran and is one of the main tourist cities in this country. The province is the third populated province of Iran.
Isfahan is famous for industry, art, architecture and tourism.
Isfahan is bordered by Qom and Semnan provinces to the north, Lorestan, Markazi and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces to the west, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad and Fars provinces to the south, and Yazd Province to the east.
The city of Isfahan
Isfahan is the provincial capital of Isfahan Province. In fact, the history of Isfahan Province refers to the history of this city.
the city is named “half of the world”. The city of Isfahan was the capital of Iran during the Safavid era.
History of Isfahan
There is no comprehensive information about the history of Isfahan and the exact time when this city was founded. What is brought here is based on most of the evidence that Iranviva Group has collected reading different sources.
Based on the evidence that was collected, the foundation of this region, as a place to live, may date back to the time of Tahmuras, the third king of the Pishdadian dynasty. However, this region was not known by its current name then; in fact it was named Isfahan since the 10th century. The initial name given to the region was ”Jey”.
Among other names that have been mentioned for the city is ‘Dar-al Yahudi’. According to what Iranviva Group has found, at the time of the Achaemenids, after the defeat of the king of Babylon by Cyrus, the Jewish captives, who were captivated by the king of Babylon, were released and some of them returned to Jerusalem, their own land, and others settled in Isfahan. Hence, the region was called ‘Dar-al Yahudi’, meaning ‘House of Yahudi’.
At the time of the Sasanians and the reign of Yazdgerd Sasani, military bases were established in some areas of Iran for support in times of crisis, some of these regions are Isfahan, Merv and Gorgan.
After the establishment of military bases in the region, it was named ‘Spahan’ meaning the ‘army position’.
After the Sassanian dynasty, Isfahan was occupied by Arabs in the 7th century AD until the 10th century AD.
In the 10th century, Isfahan was conquered by Ziyarid dynasty from Deylaman dynasty and was chosen as the capital.
In the Seljuk era, when the city was conquered by Seljuk ruler, Tughril, it was destroyed, but it was restored within three years.
In 1597, the capital was transferred from Qazvin to Isfahan, because of the predictions for Shah Abbas (saying that staying in Qazvin was dangerous for his government). Being selected as the capital of Iran was the reason for development and prosperity of the city.
During the Islamic era, Isfahan was in the state of highest prosperity, greatness and glory since the reign of Shah Abbas I until the death of Shah Abbas II. Its beauty and glory was so much that it was named as the most beautiful city.
Among the manifestations of indescribable beauty of this city are 137 Palaces, 162 mosques, 48 schools, 273 bathrooms and 12 cemeteries in the city.
Elevation above Sea Level
The city of Isfahan is located at an altitude of 1570 meters above sea level on average, which varies in different parts of the city.
Weather in Isfahan
Locating by the Zayandeh Rud River, the largest river of the Iranian Plateau in central Iran, and also neighboring the city of Shahrekord, the roof of Iran, Isfahan enjoys a moderate climate.
The best time to visit the city of Isfahan is in spring, summer and fall because it enjoys mild temperatures and you won’t experience scorching weather since it is located near Shahrekord (the roof of Iran).
How to Reach Isfahan
Isfahan is easily accessible by land, rail and air:
Isfahan has an International Airport which hosts many domestic and international flights.
Isfahan is also accessible through railway.
The best land access route from Tehran to Isfahan is:
Tehran, Qom, Kashan, Isfahan, which is about 450 km.
Tourist Attractions in
Owing to its numerous extraordinary tourist attractions and Iranian-Islamic architecture, Isfahan is one of the main tourist destinations in Iran for tourists who travel to Iran on a Cultural and Historical Tour.
Some of these attractions include:
Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Ali Qapu Palace, Imam Mosque, Jameh Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Si-o-se-pol, Khaju Bridge, Chehel Sotoun, Vank Cathedral, etc.
Souvenirs of Isfahan
Isfahan has numerous souvenirs, from valuable handicrafts to Edible souvenirs:
Souvenir foods from Isfahan include Gaz, Poolaki, Rock candy, Sohan asali, Bereshtuk, Joz-e Qand, sugar and Alag. Alag is a local fruit like peach found in different cities of Isfahan Province.
Handicrafts from Isfahan include Vitreous enamel, Khatam, Termeh, Toreutics, Turquoise Inlaying, Goldsmith, felting, silver and Filigree, mosaic, Wood carving, carpet weaving, calligraphy and Miniature.
In fact, it is home to most of the handicrafts in Iran.
If you’d like to know more about Traveling to Isfahan, read Iranviva articles “Top 12 attractions you shouldn’t miss during your travel to Isfahan” and “Best 5 historical places in Isfahan you should visit”
Kashan city
The city of Kashan, with its ancient civilization of Sialk, was the earliest city and human community on earth. The city dates back to more than 7,500 years ago. It is 982 meters above the sea level.