Imam Reza Shrine

The shrine at Mashhad holds the tomb of Ali al-Rida, the eighth Imam of Twelver Shia Islam, who died here in 818, and around it has grown one of the largest religious complexes in the world: a series of courtyards, prayer halls, mosques, libraries, museums and colleges covering a very large area in the centre of the city, with gold-covered domes and minarets, mirrorwork halls and tilework of great richness. Millions of pilgrims come each year and the complex operates continuously. The Goharshad mosque within it, built in 1418 by the wife of the Timurid ruler Shahrukh, is a major monument in its own right. Non-Muslim visitors are generally admitted to the outer courtyards with a guide, not to the tomb chamber.

What you actually see

• Gold domes and minarets - the covering over the tomb and the main halls.
• The Goharshad mosque - a Timurid mosque of 1418 within the complex.
• Mirrorwork halls - cut-glass ceilings and walls in the prayer spaces.
• Courtyards in continuous use - the scale of pilgrimage at any hour.

When to go

April to June and September to November for the weather; the shrine operates year round and pilgrimage peaks around religious dates, when the city is full. Half a day. Non-Muslims should arrange a guide at the international relations office.

Honest expectations

Non-Muslim access is limited to certain courtyards and requires arrangement through the shrine's own office; the tomb chamber is not open. Cameras and bags are restricted. Modest dress and, for women, a chador are required and provided. Crowds around religious dates are overwhelming.

Nearby

Tus is north-west; Nishapur lies west along the road.