“Isfahan nesfe jahan!” is the phrase used for describing the wideness of Isfahan, it means visiting Isfahan is the same as if you had visited half of the world. Historical city of Isfahan has numerous monumental sites and is on the list of World Heritage Sites and UNESCO. In this article we are going to talk about Khajoo Bridge that is one the most beautifully designed bridges in the world and one of the breathtaking bridges in Iran.

History of Khajoo Bridge

Khajoo bridge was built by Shah Abbas II of Persia in 1650 with 133 meters length, 12 meters width, and 23 pillars. In the middle of the bridge there is a building called “Biglar Beygi” structured as a resting place only for the royal family, this structure has an amazing design inside with high arch. Khajoo bridge is a historical masterpiece with different names namely Timurid, Shahi, Baba Roknoldin, Hassan Beyk, Hassan Abad, Shiraz, Gabrha, and Khaje which have a philosophy behind the name and we will elaborate on them shortly.

“Timurid” was given to this bridge because before Khajoo bridge there was another bridge in its place in Timurid dynasty, “Shahi” (Shah means King in Persian language) because it was built by the order of Shah Abbas II. “Baba Roknoldin” since the bridge is on the way of Baba Roknoldin`s tomb, “Hassan Beyk” because the bridge was in the time of Hassan Beyk Turkan, “Hassan Abad” was the old name of the neighborhood bridge is located in, “Shiraz” because Khajoo bridge is close to Isfahan-Shiraz road and passengers going to Shiraz city used to pass by it, “Gabrha” since Gabr people used this bridge for transfer, “Khajeh” since it implies to the name of the kings of Safavid dynasty, and lastly the name “Khajoo” was given due to its location in Khajoo neighborhood.

Features of Khajoo Bridge

The architecture and design of this bridge is a masterpiece of details mixture with tile working and paintings showing the Persian culture and artistic taste of Iranians. The reflection of the bridge on Zayandeh Rud river`s water at night can amaze anyone easily. Khajoo bridge acts as a dam is the most significant bridge in Isfahan and has 4 floors made with rocks, sun dried bricks, and plastering mortar.

The symmetrical aspect of Khajoo bridge is one of a kind and makes every visitor wonder about the design and the way that this bridge had been built ages ago.

On the sides of the bridge there are 2 stone lions as the guardians of the bridge and have been the permanent part of bridge for 4 centuries. These lions have some kind of special magnetic and the eyes shine at night!

If you look at the bridge from high in the sky, it looks like an eagle with open wings. The floors of the bridge being the feather and the alcove being the head of the bird.

The base pillars are situated inside the river and have been there for centuries but still are strong as ever.

After some repairing on Khajoo bridge, some grave stones were discovered and given to the museum.

Best Time for Visiting Khajoo Bridge in Isfahan

The best time for visiting Isfahan can vary depending on different tastes but Isfahan has hot scorching summers, cold winters. On the other hand, Isfahan in fall and spring is extremely beautiful with mild weather for having long walks and exploring the city.