Motamed Ab Anbar (Cistern), Lar

🕰️When was it built?

The cistern dates from the Qajar era. It was added to Iran's National Heritage List on 24 October 2003 as number 10505.

🏛️What was it built for?

Lar has no year-round river, so its people collected rainwater in large cisterns, called berkeh here. The dome over the tank kept the water away from the hot sun and dust, and the windcatchers moved the air under the dome so the water stayed cooler.

👀What you will see

• The broad, low dome of the cistern is coated with mud plaster and comes down almost to ground level.
• On top of the dome stands a white, many-sided tower with narrow arched windows and a small domed cap; two similar towers are built on either side of the cistern.
• In front of the dome, a large arched opening is set in a plaster frame.

🎒Good to know before you go

• First look at the dome and towers from a little way off to see the whole cistern; near the mouth of the tank, watch your step.
• The Agha cistern of Lar is also in the Pir Gheyb quarter, so you can see both together.