Chehel Sotune Palace, Esfahan
The Chehel Sotune Palace and its garden cover an area of approximately 67,000 sq. m. This palace was constructed during the reign of Shah Abbas I. Shah Abbas II was also responsible for additions to this palace, such as the hall of mirrors, the hall of 18 pillars and two large chambers facing the north and south. The spectacular hall of mirrors with its decorative mirror work, tile work and paintings, along with its majestic porches and pool which faces this hall, all add to its splendor.Interesting aspects of the Chehel Sotune Palace are:The stone lions at the four corners of the central pool, the hall and marble and vaulted cornices around it.The gilded adornments, paintings and the portrait of the sovereign in the royal hall. Along with that of the chambers surrounding the hall of mirrors.The portrait of Shah Abbas I with the special crown and the miniatures of the treasury room.Several facades such as the 'Qotbiyeh Mosque', 'Zaviyeh in Kushk', and the imprints of the 'Dar-e-Joubareh' and 'Aqasi Mosque' are affixed in the western and southern walls of the garden. The hall and porches of this palace were constructed during the fifth year of the reign of Shah Abbas II. The reflection of the twenty pillars of the hall in the pool opposite the palace brings about a conception of forty pillars. Hence the name Chehel Sotune.
