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Ali Qapu Palace

The name Ali Qapu, meaning "Magnificent Gate", was given to this place
as it was right at the entrance to the Safavid palaces which stretched
from the Maidan Naqsh-e-Jahan to the Chahar Bagh Boulevard. Built at the
very end of 16th century, the royal palace was used to entertain noble
visitors, and foreign ambassadors.

Ali Qapu is 48 meters high and has got five floors, fronted with a wide
terrace whose ceiling is inlaid and supported by wooden columns. It
offers a wonderful perspective over the square and the best view of Imam
Mosque. The interior of the building is decorated with naturalistic
scenes by Reza Abbassi, the renowned Persian miniaturist and painter.

On the upper floor the music room is also decorated with plasterwork, representing pots and vessels.