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City in Razavi Khorasan province, Iran
Photo: Iahsan at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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This complex has been developed around the tomb of the eighth Imam of Shia Islam. The burial chamber where the Imam rests is the holiest place for all Shia Iranians. Foreigners are allowed to visit the complex, while the central area and certain courtyards allegedly are off-limits for non-Muslims. Shiites come to this place as pilgrims to mourn the death of their religious leader and don't want to be disturbed by crowds of tourists. That said, there are no marks of any kind telling where you can go and where not. If you manage to blend into the crowd, it is possible to visit the core of the shrine. It is impressing from the architectural point of view with the corridors and domes completely adorned with Persian mirror mosaic. It pays off to take some time and soak in the atmosphere of praying and mourning. The complex also includes a library and the Ghoharshad Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the world by area and the second largest in capacity. Travellers have the option to visit the Foreign Pilgrims Assistance Office where you will be shown some videos about the shrine (from Press-TV) and handed out some booklets. There are some English-speaking volunteers available to guide you around in the complex, but they will not show you the Holy Shrine itself.
This museum shows an arbitrary mix of items such as coins, stamps, European clocks and astronomical instruments, pictures of marine animals, but also some interesting items like the old tombs of Imam Reza and pictures dating back to the beginning of photography in Iran. Some of the explanations are in English. Avoid visiting this museum with a guide from the Foreign Pilgrims Assistance Office, as they will press you to adequately appreciate each of the items, even the Euro coins.
The name says it all. Great and impressive pieces on display.
Monument to the founder of Afshar dynasty (1736–1747)
Sightseeing, village restaurants.
Village restaurants.
Very beautifully decorated subterranean restaurant. The menu comprises (only) four dishes (Chicken Kebab, Dizi, Ghormeh, mashed eggplant) which are very well done and are served with lots of side dishes. Service is lame, however, bring enough time.
هتل رضویه مشهد
Located very close to the shrine and the Reza Bazaar, yet not noisy. The four stars this hotel attributes to itself are bogus, however. The rooms and facilities are simple, old-fashioned and a bit run-down. Staff is not motivated.
Located very close to the shrine.
Located very close to the shrine and the Reza Bazaar, yet not noisy.
هتل فردوس
Located close to the shrine on busy Imam Reza Blvd.
Five-star hotel, located close to the shrine on busy Imam Reza Blvd.
Vali is a carpet merchant and a regional guide but most of all a chatterbox! (He speaks good English, basic French and German) His wife cooks delicious meals which you can enjoy sitting on the terrace. One bedroom and a comfortable dorm are available in the basement full of Persian rugs with a basic shared bathroom. The setting is simple but cozy and there is a warm family atmosphere. Internet and Wi-Fi. Lots of tourist information (Vali can help you to sort your visa for Turkmenistan). Hikes and excursions can be organized for one or more days in the villages and mountains surrounding Mashhad. (to help you find Vali's place copy this Farsi phrase and show it around: بین چهاره راه لشکر و استانداری ملکا اشعرابهار ۳۸ شماره۲۷۷ ولی انصاری).
Bazaar-e Bozorg
Two stories height and one of the main shopping centres in the town. Sells souvenirs, sweets, saffron and clothes on the first floor and jewellery on the second floor. Famous for the turquoise which is mined near Mashhad. All products are aimed at the Iranian taste.
You can find few good quality shopping centers in this Blvd (a bit expensive).
A spice shop that sells high quality saffron among other spices like Kerman Cumin. No bargaining, fixed prices. If you are travelling there, saffron is considerably cheaper in India but the Iranian product has a reputation for high quality.
By train
The railway station is located just north of the Holy Shrine area. There are several regular trains from Mashhad to Tehran, both day trains and overnight trains.
By bus
There are mostly night buses to Mashhad from other important cities. There are no international buses from Ashgabat or anywhere in Turkmenistan. From the terminal walk outside to pay less for taxis.
Mashhad has a rapid transit system , which operates from 06:00-22:00 and cost 20,000 rials per trip.
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Mashhad · International · MHD
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Articles and travel topics about Mashhad and Iran.
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