Built around 1650, the Khaju Bridge is a historic bridge on the Zayanderud, the largest river of the Iranian Plateau in Isfahan. The bridge serves both as a bridge and a dam as well as a place for public meetings. There is also a pavilion at the center of the bridge where the Safavid Shah Abbas II would have once observed.
The Khaju Bridge is one of the greatest examples of Persian architecture due to its symmetrical design, aesthetic appeal, and multi-purpose engineering.
The structure comprises 23 arches and is 133 meters long and 12 meters wide. Its original decor consisted of tilework and paintings, and the place served as a teahouse. The passway of the bridge is built with bricks and stones with a set of larger and smaller inlet and outlet channels. Under the archways, there are several sluice gates regulating the water flow. When the sluice gates are closed, the water level rises to facilitate the irrigation of gardens. The bridge also diverts the water through its channels to the underground water tables during a flood. Thus, it not only protects the city but also addresses Isfahan’s water shortage.
