Weird & Unusual Attractions in Mashhad, Khorāsān-e Raẕavī, Iran
1. Harireh Ice Cream Shop
A unique shop that serves ice cream shaped like small bricks, a tradition dating back to the Qajar era.
- Traditional Experience: Provides an opportunity to experience a century-old tradition.
- Unique Shape: Ice cream served in a brick-like shape, making it a distinct attraction.
- Historical Significance: Connected to the rich cultural history of Mashhad.
2. Nader Shah's Tomb
A unique tomb housing the remains of Nader Shah Afshar, a Persian conqueror known for his wealth and military conquests.
- Military History: Offers insight into the life and conquests of Nader Shah.
- Architectural Design: Features a unique blend of Persian, Russian, and European architectural elements.
- Wealth Display: Showcases the wealth accumulated by Nader Shah during his conquests.
3. Khaneh Khosrow Shah
An ancient house dating back to the Safavid era, known for its beautiful frescoes and intricate architecture.
- Historical Preservation: Serves as a testament to the Safavid architectural style.
- Artistic Beauty: Boasts stunning frescoes that showcase Persian art and culture.
- Rare Architecture: Features a unique design unlike other houses of the era.
4. Imam Reza's Holy Hair Museum
A museum that exhibits hair strands said to be from Imam Reza (the 8th Shia Imam), attracting pilgrims and visitors alike.
- Religious Significance: Offers a unique religious experience for Shia Muslims.
- Historical Artifacts: Houses sacred artifacts related to Imam Reza.
- Architectural Style: Features a beautiful, modern architecture that contrasts with the religious relics inside.
5. Mashhad Rasht Aquarium
An aquarium housing various marine species, including a variety of sharks and rays.
- Marine Life Education: Provides education about different marine species.
- Interactive Experience: Offers interactive activities, such as shark feeding shows.
- Rare Species Exhibition: Showcases rare species of marine life.
6. Hazrat-e-Bibi Khadijeh Shrine
A shrine dedicated to Bibi Khadijah, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad and a significant figure in Islam.
- Religious Significance: Offers a unique religious experience for Muslims.
- Historical Artifacts: Houses artifacts related to Bibi Khadijah.
- Architectural Design: Features a beautiful, traditional architecture.
7. Golestan Park's Glass Bridge
A glass-bottomed bridge suspended over the park's lake, offering a unique view of the water below.
- Scenic View: Provides a beautiful, bird's-eye view of Golestan Park.
- Unique Design: Features a glass bottom for an unusual experience.
- Pedestrian Safety: Ensures pedestrian safety with sturdy construction.
8. Mashhad Zoo
A zoological park that houses a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and penguins.
- Animal Conservation: Supports animal conservation efforts.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the animals and their habitats.
- Interactive Experience: Provides opportunities for close interaction with some of the animals.
9. Abbas Abad Garden
A historical garden that dates back to the Qajar era, known for its beautiful fountains and pavilions.
- Historical Preservation: Serves as a testament to the Qajar architectural style.
- Artistic Beauty: Boasts stunning fountains and pavilions that showcase Persian art and culture.
- Rare Architecture: Features a unique design unlike other gardens of the era.
10. Takht-e-Jamshid Museum
A museum dedicated to Persian carpets, showcasing various types of Persian rugs and their history.
- Cultural Education: Provides insight into the rich history and craftsmanship of Persian carpets.
- Artistic Beauty: Showcases stunning examples of Persian art and design.
- Historical Significance: Highlights the importance of carpet-weaving in Persian culture.
11. Ferdowsi Mausoleum
A mausoleum dedicated to Ferdowsi, the renowned Persian poet who wrote the national epic of Iran, Shahnameh.
- Literary Significance: Honors the work and life of a legendary Persian poet.
- Architectural Design: Features a beautiful, traditional architecture.
- Historical Connection: Connected to the rich cultural history of Persia and Iran.
12. Sabzeh Sangi Park
A park filled with wheat, barley, and lentil sprouts symbolizing the Persian New Year celebration.
- Cultural Education: Provides insight into Persian New Year traditions.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a beautiful, green and serene environment.
- Seasonal Attraction: A must-visit during the Persian New Year season.
13. Bozorgmehr Fire Temple
An ancient Zoroastrian fire temple, dedicated to the worship of fire as a sacred element.
- Religious Significance: Offers a unique religious experience for Zoroastrians.
- Historical Artifacts: Houses artifacts related to the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism.
- Architectural Design: Features a beautiful, traditional architecture.
14. Khaneh Soltani
An ancient house with unique, intricate mirror work and stucco decorations.
- Historical Preservation: Serves as a testament to the Qajar architectural style.
- Artistic Beauty: Boasts stunning mirror work and stucco decorations that showcase Persian art and culture.
- Rare Architecture: Features a unique design unlike other houses of the era.
15. Mashhad Planetarium
An observatory and planetarium that provides educational shows about space, stars, and galaxies.
- Astronomical Education: Offers insight into the mysteries of the universe.
- Interactive Experience: Provides interactive activities, such as star gazing and telescope viewing.
- Scientific Discovery: Encourages curiosity about space and the cosmos.