Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
that the teahouses were closed because they were popular spots for young men and wo-
men to socialise.
Pol-e Si-o-Seh
لپهسویس
(Si-o-Seh Bridge, Bridge of 33 Arches, Pol-e Allahverdi;
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)
The 298m-long Pol-e
Si-o-Seh was built by Allahverdi Khan, a favourite general of Shah Abbas I, between
1599 and 1602. It served as both bridge and dam, and is still used to hold water today.
Until recently there were teahouses at either end of the bridge, both accessed through the
larger arches underneath, though only the northern one remains.
Pol-e Chubi
یبوچلپ
(Chubi Bridge;
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)
Nearly 150m long, and with 21 arches, Chubi Bridge was built
by Shah Abbas II in 1665, primarily to help irrigate palace gardens in the area. The bridge
and its two interior parlours were for the exclusive use of the shah and his courtiers.
Pol-e Khaju
وجاوخلپ
(Khaju Bridge;
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)
Arguably the finest of Esfahan's bridges, Pol-e Khaju was
built by Shah Abbas II in about 1650. It also doubles as a dam, and has always been as
much a meeting place as a bearer of traffic. A bridge is believed to have crossed the wa-
ters here since the time of Tamerlane.
Its 110m length has two levels of terraced arcades, the lower containing locks regulat-
ing water flow. If you look hard, you can still see original paintings and tiles, and the re-
mains of stone seats built for Shah Abbas II to sit on and admire the views. In the centre, a
pavilion was built exclusively for his pleasure.
Pol-e Shahrestan
ناتسرهشلپ
This is the oldest of Esfahan's bridges. Most of its 11-arched stone and brick structure is
believed to date from the 12th century, although the pillars themselves remain from a
much earlier Sassanian bridge. Although it's almost 4km east of Khaju Bridge, it's a
pleasant walk.
Jolfa: The Armenian Quarter هنمارا یاسیلک
The Armenian quarter of Esfahan dates from the time of Shah Abbas I, who transported a
colony of Christians from the town of Jolfa (now on Iran's northern border;
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)
en
masse, and named the village 'New Jolfa'. Abbas sought their skills as merchants, entre-
preneurs and artists and he ensured that their religious freedom was respected - albeit at a
NEIGHBOURHOOD
