Vakil Abad Park & zoo_Mashhad

Vakil Abad Park & Zoo is situated in southwest Mashhad. With beautiful old town charm, it’s a perfect place for travelers to rest and enjoy. Within the park, there’s a large 70-hectare zoo known as Park City Mountain Zoo, which is also the only zoo in Mashhad. It has carnivores, herbivores, fish, reptiles, and birds, including endangered and some extremely rare animals such as Bengal tiger, Indonesian tiger, white oryx, aoudad sheep, alligator, llama, African leopard, lynx, etc. The zoo also breeds endangered species.

In addition, a seasonal river flows through the park that is filled with mature trees on mountains. An amusement park doubles the fun.

Holy Shrine of Imam Reza_Mashhad

Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) Complex contains the mausoleum of the eighth Imam of Shia. He was martyred in the Year 818 A.D. The shrine is also the largest mosque in the world, covering an area of 70 acres. The complex consists of 26 buildings, 9 courtyards and 6 entrances.

This area was originally called Sanabad. It was renamed Mashhad in the tenth century and it’s now the holiest city in Iran. Every year millions of pilgrims and tourists come to Mashhad to visit the shrine.

Notice to Pilgrims and Tourists:
1 – The shrine must be kept clean. Smoking is prohibited.
2 – It’s a spiritual sanctuary, be respectful and quiet.
3 - Always walk on the right side.
4 - In places of worship and pilgrimage, men and women are separated. Therefore, families can only meet at one of the courtyards.
5 - Leave money and jewelry at your hotel. Bags, purses, cameras, camcorders, etc. are prohibited in the complex. If you bring prohibited items, they can be stored at the office. The office does not accept bulky items such as blankets and luggage.
6 - Please refrain from taking pictures or filming the shrine.
7 - Adherence to Islamic dress code is mandatory.
8 - If you’re separated from your children or travel companion, inform the shrine staff and they will help you. 9 - The shrine’s library is available to religious scholars who wish to study or research here. Please register at the library to receive a guest card.
10 - Information sheets of cultural programs are posted on information boards located throughout the shrine.

Village of Azmighan_Tabass_Mashhad

Village of Azmighan:

The village of rural tourism is at 48 km North East of the City of Tabass, is located on the road of Tabass- Mashhad.In this village you can watch the miracle of God in the desert. It would be wonderful to know how the village of Azmighan was cultivated in the shade of palm trees.
Among the honors, natural and historical attractions of the village are the tomb of Mohammad-Ibn- Jaafar Tayyar, the country and fresh springs, wild plant species, settlement and labyrinthine corridors.

The Mausoleum of Ferdowsi_Mashhad_Tus

Ferdowsi Tusi is the author of Shahnameh (Translation: The Book of Kings), the national epic of Iran and arguably the most influential work of Persian literature. Ferdowsi is therefore considered the greatest Persian poet. He was born in 940 in Paj and died in Tus in 1020 (both cities are near modern day Mashhad).
The Mausoleum of Ferdowsi is in Mashhad just north of Tus. The building was opened to public in 1934 coinciding with the millennium celebration of Ferdowsi’s literary achievement. A ceremony was held, to which many notable Iranian and European scholars were invited. It was one of the most important cultural events of the century.

The design of the tomb combines the style of Persepolis and Cyrus the Great’s tomb in Pasargad. The structure can be divided into three sections. The middle section holds the marble gravestone measuring 1.5 x 1 x 0.5 meter. It’s situated in the center of a platform. The second section is a square hall also made of marble and decorated with tiles. Inside, it has four tall pillars with two large columns at the corners. The southern side of the main building is covered with carvings of men with wings, which is the style of Persepolis. The third area contains a marble staircase leading to the room where Ferdowsi’s poetries are engraved on the wall.
The mausoleum of Ferdowsi is located 20 km northeast of Mashhad along the public road that goes from Mashhad to Kalat Naderi. Haroonieh Monument and the historic town of Tabran are nearby.