Esfahan

Standing on the eastern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Iran city of Isfahan, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Safavid era.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I, from 1602 to 1619.

The mosque’s dome is adorned with delicate tiling that change color all over the day from cream to pink (the best times to observe the changes are at sunset and sunrise). The dome’s summit and bottom are decorated with blue-and-turquoise tiles.

The exterior panels contain wonderful arabesque motifs and elaborate floral designs.

Unlike the usual plan of the mosques, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque has neither a minaret nor a courtyard and its entrance is reached by a number of steps. This type of entrance was most likely made for private use by a Shah and his royal family.