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Al-Askari Shrine
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Landmark
The Al-Askari Shrine, located in Samarra north of Baghdad, is the burial site of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari. Built in the 9th century, the complex was renowned for its 68-meter-high main dome, which was covered with 72,000 gold plates in 1905. A devastating bombing in February 2006 destroyed the golden dome, and a subsequent attack in 2007 brought down the two 36-meter minarets of the shrine. An extensive reconstruction project, supported by the Iraqi government and international organizations including UNESCO, was completed in April 2009. The dome and minarets were fully restored according to the original architectural plans. The 13-by-13-meter inner burial chamber is decorated with intricate mirror mosaics and carved wooden wall panels.
- Location: Iraq
- Top sights: Samarra Museum · check point · Tell es-Sawwan
- Nearby: Fallujah (69 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 29 | 34 | 36 | 36 | 32 | 26 | 16 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 26 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 21 | 22 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra is a major Shia pilgrimage site and is accessible to visitors of all faiths. The courtyard and outer areas are freely accessible, while the inner shrine is typically closed to non-Muslims.
Typical hours
The shrine is typically open daily from sunrise until around 10:00 PM, with breaks during prayer times. On Fridays and Shia holidays, crowds can be very large, leading to waiting times.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and on the exterior facade, but not inside the shrine or during prayers. Please avoid taking photos of pilgrims without their explicit consent.
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for visiting the courtyard and the outer facilities. If you want to view the famous golden dome up close, plan for one hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the Great Mosque of Samarra and the famous Malwiya Tower, located just a few kilometers away. The Samarra Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit.
Getting there
Samarra is located about 130 kilometers north of Baghdad and is best reached by car or taxi. The drive from Baghdad takes approximately one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic.
Insider tip
Visit the shrine in the late afternoon, when the light beautifully highlights the golden dome. Bring a headscarf, as women must cover their heads to enter the courtyard.
Geography
Facts
- The core of the shrine was built in the 9th century after the tenth Imam died in 868.
- The main dome is 68 meters high and its diameter reaches 20 meters.
- The original dome was covered with approximately 72,000 gold plates in 1905.
- On February 22, 2006, a bomb attack completely destroyed the golden dome.
- The second bombing in 2007 reduced the two 36-meter-high minarets to rubble.
- The UNESCO-supported reconstruction project was successfully completed in 2009.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Al-Askari Shrine (10)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code?
Yes, modest clothing is required; women must wear an abaya.
Can non-Muslims visit the shrine?
Yes, visitors are welcome, but should avoid prayer times.
What is the shrine famous for?
It is one of the most important Shia shrines in the world, featuring a distinctive golden dome.
How is the security situation locally?
There are strict security checks at the entrance; plan for extra time.
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning is convenient to avoid the heat and large crowds.
Al-Askari Shrine: where is it located?
Al-Askari Shrine is located in Iraq.
Al-Askari Shrine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Samarra Museum, check point, Tell es-Sawwan.
Al-Askari Shrine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
Al-Askari Shrine: why is it worth visiting?
The Al-Askari Shrine, located in Samarra north of Baghdad, is the burial site of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari.
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