Chehel Sotoun facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
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| Location | Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran |
| Part of | The Persian Garden |
| Criteria | Cultural: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi) |
| Inscription | 2011 (35th Session) |
| Area | 5.8 ha (620,000 sq ft) |
| Buffer zone | 28.92 ha (3,113,000 sq ft) |
Chehel Sotoun (also called 'Chihil Sutun') is a beautiful palace in Isfahan, Iran. It stands in the middle of a lovely park, right at the end of a long, calm pool.
This palace was built by King Abbas II for his own enjoyment and to host important guests. King Abbas II and the kings who came after him would welcome important people and ambassadors here. They would meet either on the palace terrace or in one of its grand reception rooms.
The name "Chehel Sotoun" means "Forty Columns" in Persian. This name comes from the twenty tall, thin wooden columns that support the front part of the palace. When these columns reflect in the water of the pool, it looks like there are forty of them!
The palace is decorated with many amazing frescoes (wall paintings) and paintings on ceramic tiles. These artworks show different historical moments. There are also beautiful pictures in the traditional miniature style. These paintings celebrate the joy of life and love.
Chehel Sotoun Palace is one of nine Iranian Gardens that are part of Iran's 17 World Heritage Sites. These nine gardens are known together as "The Persian Garden."
Contents
Discover Chehel Sotoun Palace!
Chehel Sotoun is a special place in Isfahan, Iran. It's not just a building; it's a piece of history. This palace was a place for kings to relax and meet important people. Imagine all the stories these walls could tell!
A Royal Meeting Place
The palace was built especially for King Abbas II. He used it for fun parties and to welcome important guests. Kings and their visitors would gather here. They might meet on the open terrace or inside the grand halls. It was a very important place for royal meetings.
The Secret of the Forty Columns
The name "Chehel Sotoun" is quite interesting. It means "Forty Columns." But if you count them, you'll only find twenty columns at the front of the palace! The clever secret is in the long pool outside. When the twenty columns reflect in the water, it looks like there are forty of them. It's a cool trick of light and reflection!
Art and History on the Walls
Inside Chehel Sotoun, you'll find many amazing artworks. The walls are covered with frescoes and paintings on ceramic tiles. These paintings show important events from history. Some of the ceramic pieces are now in museums around the world. Other paintings show beautiful scenes that celebrate happiness and love. They are like windows into the past.
Part of a World Heritage Treasure
Chehel Sotoun Palace is very important. It is one of nine special gardens in Iran. These nine gardens are all part of something called "The Persian Garden." This whole group of gardens is a World Heritage Site. This means they are recognized by UNESCO as very important places for everyone in the world to protect and enjoy.
Images for kids
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The beautiful Chehel Sotoun Palace.
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Inside the palace, showing its grand design.
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Muqarnas (a type of decorated vaulting) on the ceiling.
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A painting of Shah Tahmasp I inside the palace.
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A daytime view of the palace and its garden.
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The rear view of the palace.
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A closer look at the palace building.
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A sculpture found in the palace garden.
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Golden muqarnas vaulting inside.
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A copy of the Qur'an in kufic script.
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A detailed fresco inside the palace.
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How the palace looked in 1840, drawn by Pascal Coste.
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Another fresco from inside the palace.
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Artwork showing the Battle of Chaldiran.
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The ceiling of Chehel Sotoun's mirror hall, with Āina-kāri art.
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More beautiful paintings from the palace.
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See also
In Spanish: Palacio de Chehel Sotún para niños
