One of the only existing palaces from the imperial parklands between Imam Square and Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street, Safavid-era Chehel Sotun is today most well-known for its frescoes. It was constructed as an enjoyment pavilion and reception hall, using the Achaemenid-inspired columnar porch fashion.

There are historical indications to the palace dating from 1614; though, a writing revealed in 1949 says it was finished in 1647 under the watch of Shah Abbas II. Anyway, what you notice today was reconstructed after a fire in 1706.

The palace is entered via the graceful talar patio, which flawlessly bridges the evolution between the Persian love of gardens and inner splendor. Its 20 slender, ribbed wooden pillars climb to a splendid wooden ceiling with crossbeams and beautiful inlay work. Chehel Sotun means 40 pillars - the figure reflected in the lengthy pool in front of the palace.

In the garden are a small tea house and a bookshop. Early morning is the most excellent time for snapping pictures.