Siosepol Bridge Iran

The Allahverdi Khan Bridge is a stone double-deck arch bridge that is one the eleven bridges in Esfahan, crossing Zayandehrud also popularly known as Siosepol Bridge in Iran. It is also called Siose Bridge (which in Persian means “33 Bridge” or “Bridge of 33 Arches”). The bridge is built by the chancellor Allahverdi Khan Undiladze on commission from from Shah Abbas whose chancelor he was. This bridge which of its kind is an unimpressive masterpiece of the monarchy of Shah Abbas I.

a famous bridge in world


History


Siosepol is the first bridge among the eleven bridges built in Esfahan and its construction dates back to 1602. The construction process was controlled by Shah’s chancellor, Allahverdi Khan Undiladze, that is where the second name of the bridge derives from. The Bridge as a Tourist Attraction from the Safavid Dynasty have become a masterpiece in Iranian architecture. For over 400 years, this bridge has exhibited its beauties and stands in its place. It is named the longest bridge in Zayandehrood. During decades Bridge of thirty-three arches was used by Christians and Zoroastrians for the ceremonies in Esfahan.

The Armenians of Jolfa of Esfahan also held their lava rituals in Siosepol Bridge. During the Safavid period, the ceremony was held at the Abrazan or Armenian waterfalls along this bridge. The Armenians of Julfa also held the Khajuan ceremony along the same bridge. The bridge is one of the architectural and bridge masterpieces of Iran and the world. It worth to know, this bridge is one of the masterpieces of Iran’s architecture and is unique in its beauty and majesty.


Architecture of Siosepol Bridge

It is the longest bridge on the Zayanderud, with a total length of 297.76 meters. This bridge is about meters long, meters wide and it has about square meters of deck area which has made it the longest bridge over the river. The bridge's double-decker structure is built of yellow brick and limestone, the typical materials used in Isfahan architecture. The lower level rests on piers, separated by 33 arch sluices where the river can flow past. These sluices give the bridge its name, "Siosepol ", which means "the bridge of 33 arches" in Persian.The upper deck in the middle of the bridge is predominantly designed to be used by goverment leaders.

 

Opening hours

The opening hours of this historical bridge are every day 24 hours of 7 days of week. But i recommend to visit it in the evening after the sun sets down. When it gets dark, the bridges are lightened with hundreds of lamps and beautifully reflected in river waters that you can take the most beautiful pictures.