The historic bridges of modern Esfahan are of course Safavid, like the Maidan. Each bridge coincides with a straight avenue running through the city from north to south. The best-known is the 132- m long Pol-e Khaju (Khaju Bridge), some 1.5 km downstream (east) of Sio Seh Pol, which is slightly smaller but even more attractive, with two levels of terraces overlooking the river. From bank to bank, and on the foundations of an earlier structure by the order of Shah Abbas II in 1650 AD, this magnificent bridge has been constructed with two purposes in mind: to be used both as a roadway and a dam (by means of sluices, the level of the river may be raised or lowered at will). The original purpose of this dam was to form an artificial lake for some distance upstream, in front of the numerous palace buildings and kiosks that stood on either side of the river. It is now used to raise the level of the river sufficiently to fill irrigation canals on either side.
But its most fascinating features are the pavilions set into the 12-meter width called Shah Neshin (Royal Parlors) and once decorated with faience and inscriptions. The famous tea-house under the bridge is currently closed but may be reopened soon: this used to be one of the most atmospheric places in Iran to sit and drink tea or smoke the ghalian (hubble- bubble), surrounded by slumbering Esfahan manhood.

Sio Seh Pol The most important north-south avenue of Esfahan is Chahar Bagh (Four Gardens), and the bridge used by this large highway :is the famous 5'io Seh Pol (Bridge of ;Thirty- Three Arches, also called AIlahverdi Khan Bridge, after tbe architect who built it). He commenced the structural works in 1602 by the order of Shah Abbas ,the Great. He was also the king's Army Commander-in-Chief. The bridge is an '!extraordinary structure: 300 meters in  ength and 14 meters in width, serving both as bridge and dam (it is no longer used by traffic).

It connects the Chahar Bagh with the Armenian settlement of New Jolfa. Traditionally a number of Christian and Islamic ceremonies used to be held on both sides of this bridge.