Fatima Masumeh Shrine

Fatima Masumeh, sister of the eighth Imam, died at Qom in 816 and her tomb became the focus of a shrine that grew over the following centuries into a large complex of courtyards, prayer halls and colleges, with a gold-covered dome, gold minarets and tilework and mirrorwork of great richness. It is one of the most important Shia pilgrimage sites in Iran after Mashhad. Around it, Qom developed into the principal centre of Shia religious scholarship in the country, with a large number of seminaries and a student population drawn from across the Muslim world, so the city has an atmosphere quite different from anywhere else in Iran. Non-Muslim access to the shrine itself is restricted and varies.

What you actually see

• The gold dome and minarets - the covering over the tomb chamber.
• Mirrorwork prayer halls - cut-glass ceilings and walls inside.
• Large courtyards - the outer spaces filled with pilgrims.
• The seminary city - Qom's scholarly character around the shrine.

When to go

April to May and October to November; Qom summers are extremely hot. Two to three hours. Religious dates bring enormous crowds. Non-Muslim visitors should ask at the office rather than assume access.

Honest expectations

Non-Muslim access to the shrine is limited and often refused; the outer courtyards may be as far as you get. Dress requirements are strict and a chador is needed for women. Photography is restricted. Qom is conservative and visitors should behave accordingly.

Nearby

Tehran is north; Kashan lies south on the same road.