Khan Bathhouse, Yazd

🕰️When was it built?

Mohammad Taqi Khan Bafqi, the governor of Yazd, built the bathhouse in 1212 AH (1797–98). It was restored in 1224 AH (1809–10), when paintings were added to the shahneshin, the raised alcove. It was converted into a restaurant and teahouse in 1994.

🏛️What was it built for?

The bathhouse was built for washing and public use as part of the Khan complex. Spaces such as the changing hall, the shahneshin and the hot pool each had their own purpose. The building's use has changed, but its layout still comes from the needs of a traditional bathhouse.

👀What you will see

• The changing hall has four columns and a vaulted ceiling, with arches carrying the weight of the roof to the walls.
• Much of the building lies below ground level, a way of building that cut heat loss to the outside.
• The shahneshin is a separate space in the bathhouse, painted during the Qajar-era restoration.
• Ribbed vaults roof the different parts, and the network of arches shapes the interior.

💡Something interesting

Setting the bathhouse low was not only about fitting the rooms in; the surrounding earth helped hold the heat inside. So the drop between the building and the lane was part of the bathhouse's design, not an accident.

🎒Good to know before you go

• This is a restaurant and teahouse today, not a bathhouse. While you are there, look at the vaults of the changing hall and the paintings of the shahneshin.