Azhdeha Peykar Castle, Lar

🕰️When was it built?

The remains of the castle are attributed to the Sasanian era. It was also well known in the Safavid period and is mentioned in the book Alam-ara-ye Abbasi. The name Telesm-e Kiani, the Kayanid talisman, was used because of the strength of the building and the works inside it.

🏛️What was it built for?

The castle was built on a height overlooking Lar, and its fortifications were a key part of the building. Between the Azhdeha Peykar hill and the hill of Narin Castle runs a narrow valley, the bed of the seasonal Varband river. Traces also remain of a covered dam between the two hills.

👀What you will see

• The mud-brick remains of the castle stand on the hill north of the old city of Lar.
• The Naneh Nader tower is a stone building on the height east of the castle.
• The well known as Dulab was cut into the rock at the top of the hill.
• The seasonal Varband river runs through the narrow valley between the castle hill and the hill of Narin Castle.

💡Something interesting

The Safavid book Tohfat al-Ghara'eb says a great treasure lay in the Dulab well, guarded by a snake. It also tells of a man who went down the well on the order of the governor of Lar and met a man shining with light. It is only a legend about the castle's well.

🎒Good to know before you go

• The castle is at the top of a hill; wear comfortable shoes for the climb.