The historical bathhouse of Kordasht is a tourist destination famous for geometrical arrangements and spectacular wall paintings. Located in central Jolfa in East Azarbaijan Province, this underground bathhouse dates from more than four centuries. Its required water is obtained from the Aras River and after being warmed finds its way to different pools there. 

The village by the same name is situated on the southern banks of Aras River. It is bordered by mountains linking Armenia on the northern side and Kamtal Mountains in the south. Its location enables it to have mild winters and warm summers.

The bath has impressive interior carvings that add to its charm. Its interiors and wall paintings are spectacular. Upon entrance, a set of stairs leads to an initial sitting area. A further eight stairs bring you to an octagonal shaped changing room that has a domed roof supported by eight decorated columns.

A hallway connects the changing room to another octagonal room that contains the main pool. This room has a waterway that directs hot water into the pool and the room receives natural light via ducts in the ceiling.

It was constructed in the midst of a large garden during the Safavid Era during the reign of Shah Abbas. It was built upon Shah Abbas’s orders for the use of royalty.

Later, commissioned by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, it underwent renovation during the Qajar Era, which transformed it into its current form. Appearance aside, one of the changes that Agha Mohammad Khan incorporated was opening the bath for public use.

Since then, maintenance was not carried out and it was battered by the ravages of times. Such was the level of ruination that people stopped using the facility and it became an abandoned relic of the past.

Following this phase, Kordasht Bath was recognized as one of Azarbaijan’s historical structures and began attracting visitors.

While the bath is not currently functional, cultural heritage officials of East Azerbaijan Province are in the process of renovating the bath to boost tourism.