Shahi Hammam, Royal bathhouse in Old City, Lahore, Pakistan.
Shahi Hammam is a royal bathhouse in Old City, Lahore, featuring three separate bathing zones: dressing areas, warm baths, and hot baths distributed across multiple chambers with domed ceilings. The spaces were arranged to guide visitors through a sequence of different temperatures and functions.
Built in 1635 under Emperor Shah Jahan's reign, the bathhouse served as an endowment supporting the nearby Wazir Khan Mosque through entrance fees. This arrangement shows how such facilities were integrated into the city's religious and economic life.
The walls inside display Persian-influenced Mughal frescoes with geometric patterns and floral designs that reflect the refined artistic tastes of royal patrons. Visitors can see how these decorations adorned the bathing spaces and reveal the importance placed on beauty alongside daily routines.
The bathhouse opens daily for visitors to explore, with guided tours available that explain how the different chambers functioned and their bathing purposes. It helps to wear comfortable shoes since visiting involves walking through multiple connected rooms on varying levels.
Natural light enters through ceiling apertures that illuminate the bathing chambers using an advanced engineering system developed during Mughal times. This clever design allowed the spaces to remain bright throughout the day without the need for external windows.
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