Photo by Jim Laurel

Imam Square

Few experiences in life compare to watching the day's last light fall on the Zagros mountains and Esfahan's Imam Square, while sippng Persian tea.

During Shah Abbas' reign, Esfahan saw the presence of numerous foreigners at the Safavid court, including European merchants, artists and diplomats, becoming one of the world's most glorious cities of its time. An 16th century saying, "Isfahan nesf-eh Jahan" (Isfahan is half the world) expressed the city's grandeur.

Esfahan's Imam Mosque, one of the most stunning buldings in Iran was completed by Shah Abbas, over a 25 year period, in 1638.