Shirvanshahs’ bath houses, Historic underground bath houses in Palace of Shirvanshahs, Baku, Azerbaijan
Shirvanshahs' bath houses are underground chambers connected by corridors within the palace complex, with domed structures partially visible above ground level. The preserved sections reveal separate rooms of varying sizes arranged to accommodate different temperature zones throughout the facility.
The bath houses were built in the 15th century during the Shirvanshah dynasty and represent the architectural standards of that era. Their rediscovery in 1939 led to restoration efforts beginning in 1953, which helped preserve the structure for later study.
The bath houses served as important gathering places where people came together not just to bathe but also to socialize and exchange news within medieval Islamic society. Different temperature zones created distinct spaces where visitors could move between warmer and cooler areas according to custom and preference.
Visitors enter from the lower palace courtyard and can walk through the preserved sections on foot to see the original layout and structural details. The underground setting means the space is dim, so allow your eyes time to adjust as you move through the corridors.
The bath houses rely on a sophisticated network of clay pipes embedded in the walls to distribute hot water and maintain different temperatures throughout the complex. This clever system demonstrates how medieval builders managed water flow and heating without modern mechanical equipment.
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