Visit Khaju Bridge, Isfahan (Photos, Location, Facts)

Khaju Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Isfahan, Iran, and one of the most popular places for the gathering of people in the past. It’s not just a bridge but a historical piece of art dating back to the Safavid era, around the 17th century. The bridge was mainly constructed to serve both as a dam and a place for public meetings, boasting the best Persian architecture and extraordinary stonework. Khaju Bridge is especially eye-catching at night when it’s illuminated.

Walking on the bridge, especially at dusk and early night, is one of the most enjoyable activities that tourists always include in their excursions, so make sure you include Khaju Bridge as one of the top things to do in Isfahan.

About Khaju Bridge

Several bridges have been built over the Zayandehrud River in previous dynasties, including the Khaju Bridge. Khaju Bridge of Isfahan is located about 1800 meters away to the east of Si O Se Pol Bridge in the city of Isfahan.

In terms of architectural style, strength, and symmetry, it is one of the most distinguished bridges in Iran. This bridge was recognized as one the most beautiful bridges in the world, built during the Safavid era, around the 17th century, and it is more popular than the other bridges in the Zayandehrud River of Isfahan due to its unique architecture and intricate tile ornamentations.

As one of the sightseeing places of Isfahan, Khaju Bridge was inscribed in the list of national works of Iran on 16 January 1932.

Visiting the bridge during spring when the Zayandehrud River flows creates an interesting view. Travelers come to this place and observe the surrounding terrain. In the middle of the bridge, you will also see the temporary residence of the king and the royal family, which is known as the Beyglarbeygi building.

Khaju Bridge History

When you gaze at this historical bridge, you might ask: How old is the Khaju Bridge?

Like any other bridge in Isfahan, in 1650, Shah Abbas II, the ruler of the Safavid Empire, ordered the construction of the Khaju Bridge over the remains of the Hasan Bey Bridge from the Timurid period.

According to the traditions, Shah Abbas II decided to build this bridge in order to create a communication route between Khaju neighborhood and Hasan Abad Gate with Takht Foulad and Shiraz Road, which was later decided to act as a dam on the Zayandehrud River in addition to serving as a bridge.

In order for Shah Abbas to have a short stay on this bridge with his family, he asked for a place to be made for him called Shahneshin (a dais for the ruler to rest) in the middle of the bridge. Throughout history, in addition to commuting over the Zayandehrud River, this bridge was used for watching sailing competitions, recreation, and entertainment of the king and his entourage.

Khaju Bridge Architecture

Khaju Bridge consists of four floors made with Safavid-era tiles. The width of the bridge is 133 meters and has a width of 12 meters. It is adjacent to the Zayandehrud River on one side containing stairs. There are 11 stairs built on the side of Khaju Bridge, and by sitting on these stairs, people are provided with a refreshing atmosphere of the flowing water.

The bridge is in full harmony with the natural bed of the ground both hydraulically and structurally. So, the bridge serves as an underground dam against Isfahan’s underground reservoir. This bridge causes the river upstream to increase the underground water table of the city, and downstream, it acts as a drainage for the city’s subsoil.

The collision of the cross-currents of water led to the formation of bubbles and subsequently the increase of oxygen in the water, which created an environment suitable for fish breeding. The presence of channels that ensure the vertical flow of water in the soil shows the brilliance of the Safavid engineers.

It seems that the more water penetrates the bridge, the lower its resistance. But Khaju Bridge is not like that. The masterpiece built in Isfahan is made of materials that become more resistant when it comes in contact with water. This bridge bears a lot of weight, and that’s why it has survived for years against water pressure.

In the passage section of Khaju Bridge, there are Araghchin domes and Barrel vaults, which are historical Persian arches and help the load-bearing and better stability of the bridge. Khaju Bridge has reflective symmetry and proportion; therefore, the details are repeated with similar patterns, and the spaces have the same shape and size with the same function, which altogether appears flawless.

Khaju Bridge Height

The Khaju Bridge stands 11 meters tall and features 23 arches, comprising 21 larger channels and 26 smaller ones for inlet and outlet. This iconic structure serves not only as a bridge but also as a dam and gathering space, featuring two levels of arches and intricate tilework. In comparison, the nearby Si o Se Pol bridge, while longer at 298 meters compared to Khaju’s 133 meters, is of similar height, around 11 meters, but lacks the dual-purpose functionality and ornate decoration of Khaju. Together, these bridges exemplify the ingenuity and artistry of Safavid-era engineering.

What Is Khaju Bridge Made of?

In its construction, materials such as brick, stone, and mud have been used. The foundations of the bridge are built on the bedrock of a river. If you look closely, you will see that they have paved the vicinity of the foundations.

This reduces the destructive effects of water pressure. This is not the only feature of the bridge.

Why Is Khaju Bridge famous?

The style of architecture, tiling, and paintings of Khaju Bridge are world masterpieces that attract the eyes of all viewers. According to architectural sources, its function is similar to Tehran’s Nature Bridge, and instead of acting just as a place to pass, it was also a wonderful location to stop by and enjoy the surrounding environment.

The green space along the Zayandehrud River has also helped to increase the air humidity in the city, making it a pleasant place to relax and unwind.

Khaju Bridge Facts

There is an inscription on the southern part of the bridge, which shows the Khaju Bridge was restored during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar in 1873.

The construction of Khaju Bridge has taken 6 years to complete.

If you look at it from above, you will see the shape of an eagle. The structure in the center is like an eagle’s head, and the eastern and western sections are its wings.

The stone lions on both sides of Isfahan’s Khaju Bridge are no ordinary sculptures. If you look from the side of one of them to the other, you will see the glow of the lion’s eye. However, due to antiquity, the lion’s eyes are eroded.

Khaju Bridge has candles! You only need to know how to find them. When entering the lower bridge, the angle of your entry should be such that there is an empty space between the two curved roofs. This is how you will see the shape of the bridge candles.

Zoroastrians used to be called Gabr in Iran. The Gabrs also used this bridge for their commuting. That is why Khaju was also called the Gabr Bridge.

Khaju Bridge is also known as Roknuddin Bridge, Gabr Bridge, Shahi Bridge, and Hasan Abad Bridge.

Khaju Bridge Reviews

Many reviewers admire the stunning architecture and the beautiful arches of the bridge. The views of the Zayandehrud River from the bridge are spectacular, especially during sunset and sunrise.

Visitors appreciate the historical importance of the bridge and its role in the city’s heritage. People enjoy the lively atmosphere with street performers and local music, and families spend time by the river.

Final Word

You have probably seen many Khaju Bridge Photos, but it is very pleasant to see some places up close. Khaju Bridge, one of the top sightseeing locations of Isfahan, is a must-see landmark. Watching the sunset from this bridge is very enjoyable, and musicians always perform on this bridge, and it is pleasant for all age groups. In addition to its grand beauty, the bridge bears many interesting facts, surprising its visitors and compelling many to step on this bridge and appreciate the moment inside this traditional Persian structure. When visiting Isfahan, also known as half of the world, walking inside the Khaju Bridge will fulfill your trip to the city.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran resort? Consider Matinabad Eco-resort.