Esfahan Sights

  1. Church of Bethlehem

    Of the other 12 churches in Jolfa only two are open (sometimes). The frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the Church of Bethlehem, built in 1628, are arguably of a higher quality than those in Vank Cathedral. The interior of the high dome is decorated with swirling black motifs on a golden background, while the base is surrounded by paintings of Biblical scenes. The Church of St Mary (Kelisa-ye Maryam) is similarly decorated, though with less flair. If the churches are closed, as they often are, and door-knocking doesn't work, ask for help at the cathedral.

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  2. Church of St Mary

    Of the other 12 churches in Jolfa only two are open (sometimes). The frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the Church of Bethlehem, built in 1628, are arguably of a higher quality than those in Vank Cathedral. The Church of St Mary is similarly decorated, though with less flair. If the churches are closed, as they often are, and door-knocking doesn't work, ask for help at the cathedral.

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  3. Imam Mosque

    The Imam Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The richness of its blue-tiled mosaic designs and its perfectly proportioned Safavid-era architecture form a visually stunning monument to the imagination of Shah Abbas I and the ability of his architect. The sumptuous decoration of the mosque perfectly complements the architectural elegance.

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  4. Vank Cathedral

    Built between 1606 and 1655 with the encouragement of the Safavid rulers, Vank Cathedral in Esfahan is the historic focal point of the Armenian church in Iran. The church's exterior is unexciting, but the interior is richly decorated and shows the curious mixture of styles - Islamic tiles and designs alongside Christian imagery - that characterises most churches in Iran. The frescoes are truly magnificent, and sometimes wonderfully gruesome.

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