Karim Khan Citadel (Arg-e Karim Khan)

🕰️When was it built?

The citadel was built on the order of Karim Khan Zand in the 18th century. In the Qajar era it was the base of the governors of Fars, and from 1931 it became a police prison. In 1971 it was handed to the Fars office of Culture and Art and then restored.

🏛️What was it built for?

The complex was both the ruler's home and a defensive building. Towers and ramparts protected it, and living spaces lay inside. The north, south and west sides each have an iwan with six rooms on either side, and a private bath is on the east side.

👀What you will see

• The four brick towers are about fourteen metres high, and the walls between them are built with crenellations and loopholes.
• Above the entrance, Qajar-era tilework shows Rostam fighting the White Div.
• One of the towers leans, and you can see the difference by comparing it with the others.
• The limestone blocks of the building carry marks that stonecutters left as signs of their work.
• The rooms connect with each other inside, and the small spaces above the corridors are decorated with muqarnas and paintings.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Start with the entrance front and then go into the courtyard; the Rostam tilework is outside the rooms, above the door.