Hasht Behesht Palace

Address: Hasht Behesht palace, Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran

Hasht Behesht is a 17th-century pavilion in Isfahan, Iran, whose name translates as “Eight Paradises.” It is a notable example of Safavid-period palace architecture set within a formal garden.

Built during the Safavid era as a pleasure pavilion within the royal precincts, the structure has been preserved as part of Isfahan’s ensemble of 17th-century monuments. Over time it has been repaired and used for cultural and museum purposes.

Located in Isfahan’s historic district, the pavilion sits within the city’s central heritage area among other Safavid-era palaces and gardens.

• Name and date: Dating to the 17th century, the pavilion’s name means “Eight Paradises” and reflects a common Safavid palace plan centred on the number eight.
• Location in Isfahan: Situated in Isfahan’s historic core, it is close to other major monuments of the city’s Safavid-era palace and garden ensemble.

What to See#

• Central pavilion: A two-storey pavilion with decorated interiors and exterior tilework, built as a royal pleasure house within a formal garden setting. The structure is an example of Safavid-period pavilion architecture in Isfahan.
• Garden and water features: A surrounding garden and water features arranged in a formal Persian layout that frames the pavilion and forms the immediate landscape for the site.

Hasht Behesht is in central Isfahan close to Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square. It’s best reached on foot from Naqsh-e Jahan (a short walk) or by taking a taxi from Isfahan’s main bus and train stations into the historic centre. If driving, follow main city streets into the old town around Imam Square and use nearby public parking or drop-off points.

• Visit late afternoon for the softer light that accentuates the palace's tilework and ceiling frescoes, and head upstairs - the upper room and balcony give one of the best perspectives over the Charbagh garden.
• Combine the visit with a walk along nearby Chaharbagh Avenue and Chehel Sotoun; many visitors see Hasht Behesht only briefly and miss the chance to compare its garden setting and façades with other Safavid palaces nearby.