Zayandeh River and Bridges

• Pol-e Khaju

Arguably the finest of Esfahan’s bridges, with traces of the original paintings and tiles that decorated its double arcade still visible, Pol-e Khaju was built by Shah Abbas II in about 1650, but a bridge is believed to have crossed the waters here since the time of Tamerlane. The bridge is as much a meeting place as a bearer of traffic and at nighttime Esfahanis gather under the arches to sing: those with the most convincing voices (or indeed songs) attract sizeable crowds.

• Si-o-Seh Pol

The 298m-long Si-o-Seh Bridge was built by Allahverdi Khan, a favorite general of Shah Abbas I, between 1599 and 1602. It served as both bridge and dam, and is still used to hold water today. It is a popular meeting place when people gather to watch the sunset and catch a romantic moment under the arches.

• Pol-e Shahrestan

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 re-main from a much earlier Sassanian bridge. Although it’s almost 4km east of Pol-e Khaju, it’s a pleasant walk.

• Pol-e Chubi

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.