Karimkhani Citadel founded the Zand dynasty in Iran in 1163 AH after suppressing his rivals and opponents. He chose Shiraz as his capital. All buildings of his reign were erected during his 14-year reign. Karimkhani Citadel in Karim Khan Street round Shahrdari Square was built with a plan inspired by Safavid architecture.

The outer wall of this square building and its four towers are decorated by simple, yet beautiful, brick works that allure the viewers. The king and his family lived in this building.

This castle has four towers taller than the bailey. The entrance is a big wooden gate on the western side. There is a painting on colorful tiles on the entrance portal that depicts Rustam while killing the Shite Demon.

The citadel has three alcoves in the north, west and south of the yard. The northern, western, and southern alcoves were used in winter, spring, and summer respectively. There are some rooms and porticos behind each alcove. The main hall and the residency of Karim Khan are on the west of the yard.

The St. Stepanos Monastery

The Arg of Karim Khan was built in 1180 AH (1766-7). Karim Khan invited the best architects and artists of the time and bought the best materials from other cities and abroad for the construction of the castle of Karim Khan, which was quickly constructed. During the Zand dynasty it was used by the king as living quarters. During the Qajar period it was used as the governor’s seat.

Prince Abdolhosein Mirza Farmanfarma, governor of Fars Province, ordered the miniatures in the castle to be renovated.

After the fall of the Qajar Dynasty it was converted into a prison and the paintings were plastered over. In 1971 it was given to Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization. The renovation of the castle started in 1977.