Shah Abbas the Great (1571-1629) developed Isfahan’s famous main square in the early 1600s. The square has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Photo: Popov Maxim)

The Thirty-three Arches Bridge (SioSeh Pol) was commissioned by Shah Abbas in 1602 and is still very much in use. (Photo: Khanji)

Blue Tile Mosque in Isfahan (Photo: Elan Ray)

This is the domed ceiling of the Shaykh Lotf’Allah mosque, Shah Abbas’ private place of worship, which he could reach via an underground tunnel from his palace. (Photo: Miha Urbanija)

View of Mosque through an arch in Isfahan (Photo: Khanji)

Mosaic ceiling in one of Isfahan's Mosques (Photo: Khanji)