Photos of Attractions in Mashhad / Nearby Attractions of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS); Where to Go Near the Shrine?

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Saednews: Mashhad is a city in the northeastern corner of Iran, known for its many attractions, with the shrine of Imam Reza (AS) being the crown jewel. Most tourists who choose Mashhad as their destination prioritize visiting the eighth Imam's shrine, but exploring the nearby attractions around the shrine will also be rewarding.

Photos of Attractions in Mashhad / Nearby Attractions of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS); Where to Go Near the Shrine?

According to the family magazine service of Saadnews, Mashhad is one of the most popular tourist and pilgrimage destinations in Iran, welcoming numerous domestic and foreign tourists every day who come for both religious visits and leisure. The tourist attractions in Mashhad are so diverse and vast that to save time and money, it is recommended to prepare a targeted and well-planned tourist list. For this, you can dedicate one day of your trip to visiting religious sites and other attractions close to the holy shrine. The recreational spots near the shrine of Imam Reza are the best choice for spending an adventurous and exciting day that you shouldn’t miss. So, to get to know a complete list of sightseeing spots near the shrine in Mashhad, join us in this article.

Tomb of Nader Shah Afshar
In 1145 AH, a man named Hossein Sihoon built a magnificent tomb as a memorial to Nader Shah Afshar using brick and clay. The tomb of Nader Shah Afshar is one of the most famous landmarks near the shrine in Mashhad, featuring two museum halls within it. In the Nader Shah Afshar Museum, you can see valuable historical objects such as weapons and armor. At the tomb of Nader Shah Afshar, you can see a twelve-step platform, a tomb site, a tent-like cover, and a raised platform next to the grave with a statue of Nader Shah riding a horse along with three other people.

Distance to the shrine: 3.5 km, about 10 minutes
Address: Shirazi Street, northwest corner of Shohada Intersection (formerly Naderi)
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on martyrdom days, Tasu’a, and Ashura)
Ticket price: 10,000 Toman


Mahdi Quli Beyk Bathhouse or Mashhad Anthropology Museum
Another popular tourist attraction near the shrine of Imam Reza is the Mahdi Quli Beyk Bathhouse. This historical bathhouse is now functioning as the Mashhad Anthropology Museum. Here, you can explore a historical monument with authentic Iranian architecture and learn about the lifestyle of the people of this region. This bathhouse is one of the oldest in Iran, dating back to the Safavid era. Its unique paintings and intricate designs will captivate anyone. It was originally built under the orders of Mahdi Quli Beyk, a Persian general from Khorasan, and now serves as a museum of anthropology. Visiting this museum allows you to get familiar with the culture and lifestyle of past peoples.

Distance to the shrine: Inside the shrine, 15-minute walk
Address: Andarzgoo Street, Andarzgoo 13, at the end of the Grand Carpet Market
Opening hours:

  • Saturday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM

  • Thursday: 8:00 AM to 11:13 AM

  • Friday and holidays: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
    Ticket price: 5,000 Toman


Central Museum of Astan Quds Razavi
For sightseeing near the shrine in Mashhad, visit the Astan Quds Razavi Museum and enjoy the treasure trove of historical works and ancient objects. The museum has several sections, including the Stamp Museum, Carpet Museum, Coin Museum, Quran Museum, History of the Shrine Museum, Visual Arts Museum, Banknotes Museum, Master Farshchian Museum, Anthropology Museum, etc. As you can see, there are plenty of fascinating exhibits here, and a visit is sure to be enjoyable for any tourist.

Distance to the shrine: Inside the shrine, 17-minute walk
Address: Holy shrine of Razavi, Kowsar Courtyard, Eastern side
Opening hours:

  • Regular days: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (every day including holidays)

  • Quran and Precious Objects Museum, Nahj al-Balagha and Sahifa Sajjadiyya Treasury, Carpet Museum, Supreme Leader’s Gifts Museum, Master Farshchian Gallery, Anthropology Museum, and Architecture Museum: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
    Ticket price:

  • Anthropology Museum and Quran Museum: 5,000 Toman each

  • Central Museum and Carpet Museum: 5,000 Toman


Darugheh House, Mashhad
Another notable tourist attraction near the shrine in Mashhad is a historical house with stunning architecture, showcasing a unique blend of authentic Iranian and Russian architectural styles. The Darvazeh Darugheh House in Mashhad is a two-story building, and to reach the main structure, you must pass through a spacious and beautiful courtyard. In the yard, there is a turquoise-colored pool placed between two lush, flower-filled gardens.

This house was originally a private residence and the venue for the parties of Yusuf Khan Herati during the late Qajar period. Until three decades ago, it was the home of Yusuf Khan's heirs. In 1982, the village council of Shahidiyeh Meybod bought the house and turned it into a Hosseiniyah (a place for religious ceremonies) and residence for the members of their group.

After some years, the house fell into disrepair and became uninhabited. In 2012, the Mashhad Municipality, in collaboration with a construction company, renovated and restored Darvazeh Darugheh. Since 2015, it has been used as a museum for tourists. The house has numerous attractions, one of the most interesting being its use of natural forces like wind, sun, and water for energy efficiency.

Distance to the shrine: 1.7 km, 5 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot
Address: Bagh Noqan neighborhood, Rizeh Mahalleh, Qabr Mir street, Nobar Safavi street, Sharistan Razavi, Hasat Hoz Massgaran, Darvazeh alley
Working hours: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Ticket price: 5000 Tomans


Goharshad Mosque
One of the most famous and popular tourist destinations near the shrine is Goharshad Mosque. This mosque, a relic of the Timurid period, is known for its tall minarets and exquisite tilework. It was ordered to be built by the wife of Shahrokh, known as Goharshad Begum.

Distance to the shrine: Inside the shrine, 2-minute walk
Address: South of the shrine of Imam Ali Reza
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Ticket price: Free


Tavakoli House in Mashhad
In the list of tourist attractions near the shrine, don’t miss the chance to visit Tavakoli House. This house once belonged to one of the most famous traders in the area, Keshmishian. Over time, the house was purchased by a man named Tavakoli. The house is renowned for its unique and distinctive architecture, still standing strong and welcoming visitors.

Distance to the shrine: 1.3 km, 5-minute walk
Address: Nobar Safavi Street, Nobar Safavi 7
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Ticket price: Free


Paryzad School
Paryzad School, with its four-iwan architectural style and various sections from the Timurid period, stands as a reminder of that era. When you look at the school's exterior, you will see a beautiful semi-dome adorned with muqarnas (decorative vaulting). Interestingly, Paryzad School was built using leftover materials from the construction of the Goharshad Mosque, with the efforts of Goharshad Begum's maidservant. The school dates back to the Timurid period and has been renovated three times so far. Like other schools from the Timurid era, it features four iwans. It is noteworthy that this school, which was once located outside the boundaries of the shrine of Imam Reza, is now within the expanded precincts of the shrine. A visit to Paryzad School will surely reveal the beauty of Timurid-era school architecture.

Distance from the shrine: Around the shrine, a 2-minute walk

Address: East of Dar al-Siyada Razavi and south of Goharshad Mosque

Working hours: 24 hours

Ticket price: Free


Tomb of Sheikh Bahai
You can't visit Mashhad without seeing the tomb of Sheikh Bahai. This tomb, dating from the Safavid era, is one of the most popular attractions near the shrine. The tomb is known for its beautiful calligraphy and mirrorwork.

Distance to the shrine: 1.5 km, 6-minute walk
Address: Mashhad, Shrine of Imam Reza
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Ticket price: Free


Tomb of Pir Palan Dooz
When exploring recreational spots near the shrine of Imam Reza, don’t forget to visit the tomb of Pir Palan Dooz, one of the famous mystics of the Dhahabiyya order. The tomb’s structure, built during the Safavid period, includes an onion-shaped dome, several porticos, and an entrance. The tomb is decorated with colorful tiles, beautiful paintings, and delicate stucco.

Distance to the shrine: About 20-minute walk
Address: Mashhad, Nobar Safavi Street, northeast of Imam Reza Shrine
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Ticket price: Free


Mosque of Seventy-two Souls
Among the most famous and important recreational spots near the shrine is the Mosque of Seventy-two Souls. This historic mosque, with its stunning dome and artistic tilework, has been registered as a national monument. The mosque showcases the finest examples of authentic Iranian architecture.

Distance to the shrine: 3 km, about 8 minutes
Address: Near the shrine, Khosrowi Street, beginning of the Sarshoor Market
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Ticket price: Free


Abbasqoli Khan School
Located near the shrine of Imam Reza, Abbasqoli Khan School is a historical building from the Safavid period. It has become one of the main centers of religious studies in Mashhad, where over 100 students study.

Distance to the shrine: 1.4 km, about 4 minutes
Address: Mashhad, beginning of Safavi Street
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Ticket price: Free


Green Dome of Mashhad
Another attraction near the shrine is the Green Dome, which is the tomb of a mystic named Aref Estar Abadi who lived in the 10th and 11th centuries. The Green Dome was built during the Safavid period and is famous for its turquoise-green tiles that mesmerize visitors.

Distance to the shrine: About 3 km, 7 minutes
Address: Mashhad, Akhund Khorasani Street, Green Dome Square
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Ticket price: Free


Khan-e Khesti (The Brick Dome) Located near the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, the Khan-e Khesti is the tomb of Imamzadeh Mohammad, a descendant of Imam Sajjad. Built during the Safavid era, this brick dome was created in tribute to him, showcasing the charm of Iranian art and architecture. The building itself is a historical and religious structure where the tomb of Sultan Mohammad, a descendant of Imam Musa al-Kadhim, is housed. Some believe Sultan Mohammad was simply one of the soldiers during the time of Harun al-Rashid and passed away on his way to Merv. Studies show that the architecture of this structure dates back to the Timurid period, with later restorations and paintings done during the Safavid and Qajar eras. The structure, which is over 600 years old, was built entirely from simple bricks, without minarets or tile work.

Distance to the shrine: About a 15-minute walk
Address: Tabrisi Boulevard, after Tabrisi Square, Gombad Khesti Alley
Working hours: 24 hours
Ticket price: Free


Saint Mesrop Church
In 1941, Armenians living in Mashhad built the Saint Mesrop Church, also known as the Holy Virgin Church, as a place of worship and religious ceremonies. The church's architecture includes two cone-shaped domes with a small cross visible from a distance. If you're looking for one of the most unique places to visit in Mashhad near the shrine, make sure to stop by this historic and impressive church.

Distance to the shrine: 2.5 km, about 35 minutes
Address: Imam Khomeini Street, Imam Khomeini 34, Saint Mesrop Church
Working hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
Ticket price: Free


Historical House of Kozeh Kanani
On your visit to Mashhad, don’t miss the historical and beautiful Kozeh Kanani house, a relic from the Qajar era. This house, with its spacious design, has both northern and southern sections, a rectangular courtyard, and numerous columns, and still hosts visitors with dignity. Currently, the Kozeh Kanani house serves as the Constitutional Revolution Museum. The house's colorful wooden windows are one of its main attractions.

Distance to the shrine: 1.8 km, about 5 minutes
Address: Shirazi Street, Chahar Bagh Alley, Panjeh Alley, next to the Kuwaiti Hosseiniyeh
Working hours: 8 AM to 7 PM
Ticket price: 5000 Toman


Pirzan Mosque (The Widow's Mosque)
The Pirzan Mosque, also known as the Widow's Mosque, dates back to the 8th century AH. During this period, Goharshad Khatoon decided to build a mosque adjacent to the shrine. However, a widow living in a small house refused to sell her land to Goharshad Khatoon. Over time, this small house was converted into a mosque within the Goharshad Mosque complex. The story of this mosque and its humble origins is fascinating, making it a popular historical site near the shrine.

Distance to the shrine: Inside the shrine, 2 minutes
Address: Mashhad, Imam Reza Shrine
Working hours: 24 hours
Ticket price: Free

Bala Sar Mosque
One of the oldest parts of the Imam Reza Shrine is the Bala Sar Mosque. The various parts of the shrine were constructed during different historical periods. This mosque is located on the western side of the shrine and is connected to the Dar al-Sayyed portico. Its floors, walls, and ceiling are covered in marble and intricate tile work. The construction of the mosque dates back to the Ghaznavid period in the year 425 AH. It is one of the busiest and most visited sites for both Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Distance to the shrine: Inside the shrine, 2 minutes
Address: Western side of the Imam Reza Shrine
Working hours: 24 hours
Ticket price: Free

The Steel Window (Panajereh Foolad)
In the list of nearby attractions to Imam Reza Shrine, the Steel Window is a significant and sacred site located near the shrine. Built during the Safavid era, the Steel Window was designed for those unable to visit the shrine due to physical or religious reasons. The idea for its creation came from a person named Faiz Mullah Hassan Kashani.

Distance to the shrine: Inside the shrine, 1 minute
Address: Sepahd Square, Baharestan 1, second left street, No. 25, Third Bell
Working hours: 24 hours
Ticket price: Free