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Imam Reza Shrine

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Imam Reza Shrine (Iran)

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The Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad is the largest religious complex in the world by area and a central sanctuary of Shiite Islam. It houses the tomb of Ali ar-Rida, the eighth Imam of Twelver Shiism, who passed away in the region in 818 AD. Over the centuries, the site has been continuously expanded, with dynasties from the Timurids to the Safavids adding significant structures. The ensemble comprises numerous mosques, courtyards, libraries, and museums, decorated with lavish gold decor, fine mosaics, and mirror work. Every year, millions of pilgrims from around the world visit the shrine, making Mashhad the religious capital of Iran. The Goharshad Mosque, located within the complex, is a masterpiece of 15th-century Timurid architecture known for its intricate blue tilework.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1161218222422181251
Rain mm2129423118321271815

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad is a vast complex with courtyards, museums, and prayer halls. Non-Muslims have access to most outer areas and some museums, but the inner shrine is off-limits to them.
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Typical hours
The complex is open 24 hours, but museums typically open from 8 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit is early morning when crowds are smaller.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyards and museums, but not in the inner shrine. Please avoid flash in museum halls.
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Time needed
Allocate at least two to three hours for a first walkthrough of the complex. For a thorough visit including the museums, you can set aside half a day.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Nader Shah Mausoleum and the Ferdowsi Tomb in Tus near Mashhad. The Mashhad Bazaar is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
Mashhad is reachable by plane, bus, or car. The shrine is in the city center and easily accessible by metro or taxi.
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Insider tip
Women must wear a chador (long cloak), which can be borrowed at the entrance. Arrive early to photograph the golden dome in morning light.

Geography

Coordinates
36.28780, 59.61580

Facts

  • The total area of the complex is approximately 598,657 m².
  • Imam Reza passed away in the year 818 AD.
  • The golden dome was renovated under Shah Abbas I.
  • There are seven large courtyards within the complex.
  • The Goharshad Mosque was built in the year 1418.
  • The shrine's library holds over 1.1 million volumes.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MashhadMashhad6 km · SExplore →
KakaKaka60 km · EExplore →
Namazga DepeNamazga Depe61 km · EExplore →
Abiverd RuinsAbiverd Ruins62 km · EExplore →
Altyn DepeAltyn Depe68 km · NEExplore →
Khorasan Saffron FieldsKhorasan Saffron Fields72 km · SWExplore →
Mount BinaludMount Binalud76 km · SExplore →
Nadir Shah FortressNadir Shah Fortress83 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Imam Reza Shrine (15)

Tomb of Ebrahim Raeisi🏺 historical

The final resting place of the former Iranian president within the Imam Reza shrine complex.

Saint Mesrop Church⛪ religious

An Armenian Apostolic church in Mashhad featuring characteristic stone architecture.

Tomb of Nadershah Afshar🌿 nature

The modernist tomb of Nader Shah houses a museum showcasing historical weapons.

Mashhad central manucipality🏺 historical

A prominent administrative building in central Mashhad with historical significance.

Gowharshad Mosque⛪ religious

This 15th-century Timurid mosque is famous for its turquoise-colored dome.

Melli Garden🌳 park

One of the oldest urban parks in Mashhad, offering a quiet green retreat.

Gha'em Paradise Park🌳 park

A large landscaped urban park in Mashhad with walking paths and recreational areas.

Museums of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi🏛 museum

These museums house a vast collection of Islamic art and precious carpets.

Ghadir Cultural Center🎭 culture

An arts center in Mashhad hosting various cultural events and creative workshops.

Belal Mosque⛪ religious

A local mosque in Mashhad serving as a venue for daily prayers.

Forooshgah Etka🎭 culture

A large state-run department store near the shrine offering a wide range of goods for daily needs.

shoushtari Friday Market🎭 culture

A bustling traditional open-air market held every Friday where locals trade clothes and household goods.

Morvarid Tower📍 landmark

A modern commercial building with a striking glass facade in the heart of the trading district.

Almas Sharq Trading Center📍 landmark

A landmark shopping mall topped with a distinctive blue diamond-shaped dome visible from afar.

Abolfazli BAGOO Mosque📍 landmark

A local mosque that serves as an important spiritual center for the residents of the BAGOO neighborhood.

🕒 24/7

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can non-Muslims enter the shrine?
Most courtyards are accessible, but the inner tomb chambers are reserved for Muslims.
Is there a strict dress code?
Yes, women must wear a chador, and men should wear long pants and modest tops.
Is photography allowed inside?
Phone photos in the outer courtyards are usually okay, but professional cameras are forbidden.
How large is the complex?
It is one of the largest religious complexes in the world and forms the heart of Mashhad.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entrance to the shrine is free for all visitors.
Imam Reza Shrine: where is it located?
Imam Reza Shrine is located in Iran.
Imam Reza Shrine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tomb of Ebrahim Raeisi, Saint Mesrop Church, Tomb of Nadershah Afshar.
Imam Reza Shrine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Imam Reza Shrine: why is it worth visiting?
The Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad is the largest religious complex in the world by area and a central sanctuary of Shiite Islam.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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Mashhad — Imam Reza Shrine (Iran)
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Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran and an important spiritual center for Shia Muslims.
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A small town on the Trans-Caspian Railway, near the Iranian border.

More places

Mount Binalud — Imam Reza Shrine (Iran)
Mount Binalud
The Binalud Mountain Range spans Khorasan Province, separating the plains of Nishapur and Mashhad.
Kopet Dag — Imam Reza Shrine (Iran)
Kopet Dag
Kopet Dag is a mountain range situated along the border between Iran and Turkmenistan.
Namazga Depe — Imam Reza Shrine (Iran)
Namazga Depe
One of the largest early agricultural settlements in southern Turkmenistan from the Chalcolithic period.
Abiverd Ruins — Imam Reza Shrine (Iran)
Abiverd Ruins
One of the most important cities of northern Khorasan, abandoned after multiple destructive invasions.
Altyn Depe — Imam Reza Shrine (Iran)
Altyn Depe
A significant archaeological site from the Copper and Bronze Ages, whose name refers to a golden hill.
Khorasan Saffron Fields — Imam Reza Shrine (Iran)
Khorasan Saffron Fields
The extensive crocus fields in Khorasan produce the majority of the world's commercially traded saffron, the most expensive spice globally.