Chehel Sotoun
Isfahan is an Iranian city that has become known for other things in recent months besides it’s ancient architecture (it has some uranium conversion facilities). However, the architecture and the history of the city are indeed quite impressive.
Here is a picture of Chehel Sotoun, a palace in Isfahan, that was completed 1646. It was built largely for the entertainment of the Shah and for the reception of foreign diplomats. Because of it’s use as a sort of fancy convention center it has a great deal of reception halls and terraces that can also be used for meals and meetings. The palace also contains many frescoes and painted ceramic panels depicting various important battles and other historical events. The name Chehel Sotoun means “forty columns.” The name derives from the twenty wooden columns in the entrance pavilion that reflect in the waters of the fountain.