Esfahan (pop 1.2 million) approx 200km from Kashan. The best we have seen so far in terms of architecture, it's a blue print of Shah Abbas' grand renaissance capital. The highlights of Esfahan is the architecture around Meidun-e Emam Khomenei square (510 x 164 metres). Built in 1612 is one of the biggest in the world. Located on the main trade route and an important trade center long before Shah Abbas I proclaimed it his capital in 1598. After having united his country and freed it foreign influence Esfahan flourished to become a wonder of the renaissance world.