Arg-e Karim Khani

Lonely Planet review

Dominating the city centre, the imposing structure of the Arg-e Karim Khani served as a prison in Pahlavi times. This well-preserved fortress with four 14m-high circular towers was, in the time of the Zand dynasty, part of a royal courtyard that Karim Khan hoped would rival that of Esfahan.

The sign inside proclaims that 'the exalted stature of the Karim Khani citadel amuses every new traveller for a long time who arrives in Shiraz'. The courtyard is filled with citrus trees, but it's arguable whether it, plus a private prayer room and bathhouse, are worth your money. If you do enter, be sure to check out the model of Shiraz. The austere and squat exterior of the fortress is perhaps of more interest, particularly the disturbing slope of the tower on the southeastern side - experts from as far away as Pisa in Italy have given up efforts to correct the slope.