Gheysarieh Bazaar and Neshat Garden, Lar

Lar is located in the southwest region of Fars. The Gheysarieh bazaar, Neshat Garden of Lar, the Lion’s Mouth structure, the Ghadamgah fort, Jaameh Mosque, Shah Abbassi Bridge, and an old caravanserai are among the most important historic structures of this town. The Gheysarieh Bazaar probably dates to the early Islamic period. This bazaar’s architecture was a model for other historic Iranian bazaars such as Isfahan’s bazaar and the Vakil bazaar in Shiraz. Lar is located in a hot region, so the height of the arched ceilings of the Gheysarieh bazaar is greater than those of other historic Iranian bazaars. The building also has remains of old wall paintings, which are unfortunately decay- ing. Unlike most other Iranian bazaars that are made of brick, the main material used here is cut stone. Adobe, brick, and mud are also used in this bazaar. The domes and walls are covered with adobe on the exterior surfaces and plaster on the interior. Neshat Garden was the official center for local government in Safavid era and onwards. This complex, which was twice destroyed by earthquakes, has an area of one hectare. Only a few arches from first floor has remained, but the other two floors are relatively intact. The magnificent veranda is the most important section of the building. The basement has three rooms, with the central room directly below the veranda. This floor currently houses the Anthropology Museum of Larestan. There is a bathhouse in the northern section of the garden that probably dates to the Afshari period. This bathhouse has many different sections, and decorative calligraphy upon its walls. The building is made of stone and its ornaments are of lime.