ALI QÂPU (ALI DOOR)
In the face of the Lotfollâh Mosque, the castle of Ali Qâpu was at the time the high gate of the royal palaces and gardens, which were previously forbidden to foreigners. It still reads «I am the city of science and Ali is his door». The building also hosted the administrative offices and official hearings of foreign embassies. High on six floors, the palace dominates Royale square from its large covered terrace, whose roof of marquetry is supported by 18 fine columns of wood. It is here that the king attended the polo tournaments that stood on the great square that it overlooks. See also the sumptuous throne hall with paintings from Shah Abbas I, and superb views of the square, its gardens, the wonderful dome of the Lotfollâh Mosque and the Royal Mosque. Focus on the end of the day for the panorama, so as to enjoy optimum brightness. Many rooms, small lounges, alcoves and corridors also remain accessible in the posterior part of the building. They kept their famous epoch murals in spite of the damage caused during the Qadjar period (naturalist decor: birds, gazelles, flowers, graciles vases, etc.). These small reception rooms were lined with back rooms, where the harem women hid. From the balconies, the old convent of Isfahan has now become the École School of Fine Arts.
