Persian Hammam: TOP 5 Traditional Iranian Bathhouses

Into oriental architecture and Persian culture? Then why don’t you treat yourself to one of Iran’s tasteful traditional hammams (bathhouses)! As a relic of an Islamic city of the good old days, a hammam was one of the main elements of a city. Not only was it a place to clean and groom, but it was also a hotspot for social activities like idle gossip, political discussions, matchmaking, and charming customs. That’s why a visit to one of them isn’t only a treat to your eyes. It is also a door that opens up interesting aspects of the culture before you! But which ones to visit?! This list of the top 5 traditional Iranian bathhouses (hammams) will lead you to the must-see examples of Persian art and ingenuity around Iran.

Ganjalikhan Bathhouse – A Persian Hammam in Kerman

The main attraction of Kerman’s well-known Ganjalikhan complex is Ganjalikhan Bathhouse. Located on the southern part of the square and in the middle of the Bazaar, this 17^th century Persian Hammam is undoubtedly a piece of art. The well-known architect who designed the building embedded his own political and cultural knowledge in this artwork. Moreover, the artistic works of Kerman’s most famous calligrapher adorn the Hammam. Above all, extraordinary paintings, tilework, and stuccowork attract art and architecture lovers to this top traditional Iranian bathhouse. Plus, as a museum of anthropology, the place also treats you to a delightful cultural exploration.

Ganjalikhan Bathhouse – a Persian Hammam

Vakil Bathhouse – A Persian Hammam in Kerman

Now an impressive underground teahouse, Vakil Bathhouse is a piece of a larger 19^th century complex. Although it was inspired by Kerman’s other gem, Ganjalikhan Bathhouse, this hammam is still one of a kind. As one of the definite top traditional Iranian bathhouses, it treats your eyes to elegant tilework and your ears to live traditional music. The ornamented vaulting of the portal, the floral patterns of the Hashti (entrance chamber), and the tasteful skylights, all contribute to the general beauty of the hammam. Trying Kerman’s delicious treats while lending your ear to traditional music and enjoying the precious architecture is an experience that’s hard to forget.

Vakil Iranian Bathhouse – A Persian Hammam in Kerman

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse – A Persian Bath House in Kashan

Kashan’s adorable Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse is a gallery of Persian taste and a fine example of a traditional Iranian bathhouses. This 16^th century hammam features richly colored tiles, delicate paintings, and an amazing panorama of the city’s wind towers and minarets. Knowing that 17 layers of plaster and an original one that is stronger than cement cover the walls makes this hammam even more special. Plus, many architectural tricks, like the twisting architecture of the corridors, are of the charms of this top traditional Iranian bathhouse. If you ever go there, don’t miss to find your way to the rooftop where the domes, the glass openings, and the sky have created a photogenic background.

Traditional Hammams in Iran – The entrance of Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse-Kashan attraction-Iran

Vakil Bathhouse – A Persian Hammam in Shiraz

Shiraz’s Vakil Bathhouse is where genius, art and culture come together. As a part of the super popular Vakil Complex, this top Iranian hammam stands for the architectural ingenuity of Iranians. Plus, as a museum of anthropology, it is also a great window into the depth of Iranian culture. Every architectural detail in Vakil Public Bath, from the size and location of the entrance, the slope with which it leads to the changing room, the corridors between the chambers and the underground channels that used to carry water vapor, all contributed to the architect’s plan to keep the bathhouse warm and nice. The vaulted central chamber, with its artistic plasterwork and tasteful columns, is the highlight of this 18^th century treasure.

Traditional Iranian Bathhouse – Vakil Bathhouse in Shiraz – A Persian Hammam

Qajar Bathhouse – a Traditional Bathhouse in Qazvin

As a memento of the golden days of Qazvin, this 17^th century treasure is one of the city’s top attractions. The hexagonal central chamber, the blue tilework, and the dome-like ceiling give a special beauty to this top traditional Iranian bathhouse. People from different walks of life used to come to this lovely place to clean, groom, chat, and hold special ceremonies. The museum of anthropology that is set up there beautifully displays the charming customs and the tribal and cultural variety that exists in Qazvin.

Qajar Iranian Bathhouse – A Persian Hammam