Ali-Qapoo Edifice



Built merely as a portal in 15th century, it was developed over many stages, mainly in early 17th century to a palace. Ali Qapoo (meaning "exalted portal") is also the gateway to the other royal establishments of that era, namely Chehelsotoon and Hasht-behesht Palaces. This building is six story, shy of 157½ feet tall, and has a terrace with a view over Naghseh-Jahan square, supported by 18 wooden columns. This building has endured more damages through time than any other monuments of her vicinity and age, and most of her valuable doors and windows have been stolen during wars.

The Entrance and Bazar to the left of the Entrance:



Inside the Portal:






Some of the stairs with dazzling tile works and wooden windows up to the third floor:






Terrace and entrance to the third floor hall:





The third floor hall:






One of the two circular staircases from the third floor up to the sixth floor:




This is a terrace on the fifth floor in the back of the building. It is good to take a little break up here from those cylindrical staircases halfway to the music room. It is hard to identify the Chehelsotoon Palace's roof behind the trees, but it is in front of that extraordinary tall building. I should mention that UNESCO has required to destroy the last floor of that building, which is still under construction; because it has violated the skyline of the Naghshe-Jahan square.




Finally the sixth floor known as the music room. The plaster works of this floor is well worth walking up those stairs. Serving as an acoustic ceiling, the shape of these cut outs resemble pots and vessels.