Travel Guide Qom, Iran | Things to do in Qom

Qom, Iran – The Spiritual Heart of Shia Islam

QOM

Qom is Iran’s religious capital and one of the holiest cities in the Shia world. Located just 140 kilometers south of Tehran, it is both a major pilgrimage destination and a key center of Islamic scholarship. Almost every traveler heading south from Tehran will pass through Qom, which also serves as an important railway and highway junction for routes across Iran.

Qom is home to prestigious seminaries where generations of clerics and religious scholars, including Ayatollah Khomeini, studied. Beyond its spiritual significance, the region around Qom offers mountain trekking, desert excursions, and visits to historic caravanserais that once hosted travelers along ancient trade routes.

Main Attractions in Qom

Masumeh Shrine (Shrine of Fatima Masumeh)

The Masumeh Shrine is the heart of Qom and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Iran. It houses the tomb of Fatima Masumeh, sister of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam.

  • The shrine complex is adorned with glittering tilework, golden domes, and intricate minarets.

  • Pilgrims from across the Shia world visit to pay their respects, especially on Fridays and religious holidays, when the shrine becomes a center of devotion and ceremony.

  • Non-Muslim visitors may not be able to enter all areas, but even from the outside, the spiritual atmosphere and magnificent architecture are unforgettable.

Khomeini House

This modest residence was home to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini during his years of study in Qom. Today, it has been turned into a museum, offering insight into his early life, spiritual education, and the humble surroundings that shaped his worldview.

Deyr-e Gachin Caravanserai

Located in the heart of the Kavir National Park, about 80 km from Qom, the Deyr-e Gachin Caravanserai is one of the largest and best-preserved caravanserais in Iran.

  • Dating back to the Sassanid era, it was rebuilt during the Safavid period.

  • It once served as a key stop on the Silk Road, offering shelter to travelers, merchants, and their camels.

  • Today, visitors can explore its vast courtyard, mosque, stables, and bathhouse, a perfect glimpse into Iran’s caravan heritage.