Khaju Bridge in Esfahan

About Khaju Bridge in Esfahan province

(in IRAN)

 The Bridge of Khaju or pole-i-Khaju, the most famous of Isfahan bridges, has roused the admiration of travelers since the 17th century.
There was an earlier bridge across the river at the same spot, near the district of Khaju on the old Shiraz road; this was probably built in the reign of Timurian sovereign, one of the successors of Tamerlane (15th century). Shah Abbas II built the present structure round about 1650. It has 23 arch and are 436 feet long and 39 feet wide. It is also a dam; sluice gates between the piers closed the canals, raising the water level upstream so that large reserves could be collected for irrigating the surrounding gardens.
With its two stories of arcades with intersecting arches, its stone steps downstream with the water cascading over them, and its two large pavilions in the center- (The Prince` Parlors)- this bridge is a masterpiece of balance and harmony

The outer side of the arcades is decorated with richly colored tiles, and the interior of the pavilions with more recent paintings

Shah Abbas the second of the Safavid dynasty on the ruins of Hassan Baik Bridge in 1650 or 1655.The bridge has been known with a variety of titles including Pol-e-Shahi, Pol-e-Khaju, Pol-e-Baba Rokneddin, and Pol-e-Gabrha built this bridge. The bridge is 105 meters long and 14 meters wide.
The pass way of the bridge is 7.5 meters wide, made of bricks and stones with 21 larger and 26 smaller inlet and outlet channels. The pieces of stone used in this bridge are over 2 meters long and the distance between every channel and the ceiling base is 20 meters. The existing inscriptions suggest that the bridge was repaired in 1873

...YES! IRAN IS BEAUTIFUL

Chichen Itza in Mexico

Why Chichen Itza is special

Of the many major Mayan ruins in Central America, the Chichen Itza archaeological site in Yucatan, Mexico is the best preserved

Mayans
The Mayans were an advanced society. They invented the calendar, devised a hieroglyphic-style writing system, had observatories to map the stars, and built thriving cities like Chichen Itza in the midst of the relentless tropical jungle.

Abandoned
For reasons unknown, Chichen Itza was abandoned in the 10th century - and was soon overrun by jungle growth

The pyramid
Many key buildings have been reclaimed, including the famous Chichen Itza pyramid (see photo). Four broad stairways lead up to the temple at the top, which affords an excellent view of the overall Chichen Itza site. Be forewarned: The exceptionally steep 91-step descent is not for acrophobics.

Two other major attractions
Other Chichen Itza highlights include the wide-and-deep sacrificial Cenote well (human victims were tossed into it alive) and the embellished Ball Court (competing teams tried to hurl a ball through a tiny ring hung high on the wall).

What leading travel books say about Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is overwhelming in its scale, architectural beauty, and history of violence.
Exploring Mexico
Fodor's

The majestic ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the most attractive ancient cities in the world.
Mexico
Michelin Green Guides