Ālī Qāpū is a six-stoey palace built in the 17th century. Ali Qapu means 'Gate of Ali' and it was once the gateway to Isfahan's Safavid palace quarter. It contains royal apartments and views, from a balcony, of the 9 hectare Meydan (or Maidan). The square was once used for polo, markets and parades. Today it is used as a car park and a semi-French, semi-Islamic ornamental garden.
Isfahan's Maidan used to be surfaced with sand and used for markets, polo and other purposes
