The Arg of Karim Khan is one of the most prominent architectural landmarks of the Zand era, located in downtown Shiraz. When Karim Khan Zand declared Shiraz as the capital of his reign in the mid-18th century, he commissioned this grand citadel to serve both as his residence and a center of governance.
Following the fall of the Zand dynasty, Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar captured Shiraz and, due to hostilities with Karim Khan’s legacy, ordered the destruction of several Zand-era buildings. However, the citadel was spared and later repurposed as a government building. During the Pahlavi period, it was used as a prison.
The citadel is rectangular and spans approximately 13,000 square meters. It is divided into residential and military sections. Reflecting the introverted architectural style of traditional Persian design—similar to that of Safavid-era Isfahan—the exterior of the building is relatively plain, while the interior showcases fine decorative elements.
Above the main entrance, visitors are greeted by a mural depicting the epic battle between Rostam and the White Demon from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. The residential quarters are located along the north, south, and west sides of the complex. Inside the halls, elegant wooden windows with stained glass infuse the space with colorful light. A traditional Persian bathhouse is located in the southeastern corner of the citadel.
Visiting Hours
The Karim Khan Citadel welcomes visitors year-round.
Spring & Summer (First half of the Iranian year): 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Autumn & Winter (Second half of the year): 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
It’s recommended to check local sources before visiting, especially during public holidays.
For more photos and detailed historical insights, visit the Wikipedia page on Karim Khan Citadel.
