Vakil Bath

The Vakil Bath in Shiraz, one of the outstanding works of Zand-era architecture, stands on Lotfali Khan Zand Street in the center of Shiraz. This historic bath was built between 1180 and 1189 AH (lunar Hijri) on the orders of Karim Khan Zand. It is part of the Vakil Complex, which includes the Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bath, in the heart of Shiraz's historic quarter. The building is registered as number 917 on Iran's National Heritage List.

The bath covers an area of 11,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 8,660 square meters, a length of 120 meters and a width of 80 meters. It was built by skilled and distinguished architects of the Zand period. The architecture of the Vakil Bath follows the advanced principles of its time and includes an entrance vestibule (hashti), a changing room, a hot room (garmkhaneh), a plunge pool (khazineh) and a washing area (sarbineh). Its domed ceilings with beautiful stucco work, natural lighting and a smart ventilation system are among the bath's most notable features. The entrance connects to the vestibule by a gentle slope, and the changing room was built at an angle to keep the cold out and prevent the heat inside from escaping. Inside the bath, wax figures are on display, depicting the different stages of bathing and the social life of the period. To the south of the hot room is the plunge pool, with two large cauldrons for heating the water. On either side of it are the shahneshins and hakemneshins (raised seating alcoves), each with a marble stone basin. The bath was restored and rebuilt in various historical periods, particularly during the Zand and Qajar eras, and it is still regarded as a symbol of Iranian culture and history in Shiraz.

To reach the Vakil Bath, you can walk a short distance from Shahrdari Square in Shiraz or take a city taxi to Lotfali Khan Zand Street. Zandiyeh metro station is also the closest station to the Vakil Complex, and the bath is a few minutes' walk from it. Visiting hours for the Vakil Bath are 8:30 to 20:30 in the first half of the year and 7:30 to 19:30 in the second half. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and suitable for sightseeing. Visiting the building is free and possible every day of the week.