Arg of Karim Khan

Arg of Karim Khan is one of the most well-preserved castles in Iran, from the mid-18th century period. It is located at the center of Shiraz City, close to lots of other historical places such as Vakil Bath and Vakil Bazar.

What was once the center of the Iranian government, is now a museum of culture and architecture. Also, the crocket southeastern tower of Arg of Karim Khan has driven people into calling it “the Pizza Tower” of Shiraz attractions.

So, if you are planning to visit the most famous of Shiraz attractions and the best of castles in Iran, Follow this article from the Iran Travel Guide Center on Arg of Karim Khan:

Arg of Karim Khan Overlook

Accessibility: To get to Arg of Karim Khan you can take Shiraz Metro and get off at Zandieh station. Then you are just a five minutes’ walk away from this place or if you are planning to take the bus you can get off at Shahrdari station which is just behind the palace.

Open days and hours:  Arg of Karim Khan is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Phone number: (+98) 71 3224 7648

Ticket price: 500.000 RLS (in the year 2020)

Short Description of One of the Best Castles in Iran

At the beginning of the Zandieh dynasty, Karim Khan, the king, ordered the construction of this Palace. To do so, he gathered the best architects and master builders from all around the country.

The exterior looks as solid as every other Palace, yet the interior was the home office to the government and later during the Qajar dynasty, it was home to the local governor.

Unfortunately, in the later years during the modernization period, it was transformed into a prison and during this stage, most of the interior decorations and plaster works were damaged beyond repair. But still, it is one of the most authentic Castles in Iran.

 Arg of Karim Khan Design

The interior of Arg is like every other castle in Iran: tall and barricaded walls, with towers and a large gate at the entrance. Seeming nonpunishable!

The southeastern tower is tilted outward a bit, giving it an odd shape and making the locals call this tower the “pizza tower of Shiraz“.

The interior, however, is not what you would have guessed from the outside. A Persian-style garden surrounded by 3 high porches and rooms decorated with plaster works, mirror works, and colorfully stained glasses. These rooms’ walls and ceilings are painted with beautiful patterns, picturing heavenly scenes.

All the rooms are connected by a narrow corridor, enabling the residents to move through the building without having to go out in the yard.

In front of the western hall, there’s a water fountain, which was powered via an underground water stream coming from the mountains around the city.

On the southwestern side of Arg of Karim Khan, one of the most important Shiraz attractions is located: The Royal Bath House. It is one of the most elegant and beautiful bathhouses ever made in the country to that time.

All the floors and walls are covered with fine marble, with separate dressing rooms, heating the water, massaging, and bathing.

More info on Arg of Karim Khan

Although most of the decorations and paintings were damaged during the transformation period, still you can enjoy the greatness of the building, the elegant Persian garden in the yard, and the unique Royal Bathhouse.

Arg of Karim Khan is located in the city center. Here as well as other Shiraz attractions, you have access to some of the best restaurants, ice cream shops, and “Araghiat” shops in the city which are the most famous souvenirs of Shiraz city.