Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Qom
Top Sights
Hazrat-e Masumeh (Holy Shrine)
C2
Sleeping
1
Etminan Hotel
C2
2
Negin Hotel
C2
3
Olympic Hotel
C3
4
Qom International Hotel
C2
Eating
5
Fast-Food Stand
C2
6
Produce Market
C2
Astane Square
The city's main square is fringed by souvenir shops and has an ugly modern fountain at its
centre. Located on the northeast side of the shrine, it's a fantastic place to spend an hour
or two people-watching - particularly in the early evening, when it is busiest and most at-
mospheric. At this time of day the gold jewellery glittering in shop windows is as gaudy
as the coloured lights adorning the shrine's minarets and dome, and the square has an al-
most carnivalesque feel. Many of the shops here sell
sohun,
a sinfully sweet brittle made
with pistachio, almond, saffron and cardamom. Consider buying a small tin (US$1.50)
from one of the shops and a glass of tea (US$0.25) from the square's tea stand so that you
can enjoy them while watching the passing parade of pilgrims making their way to and
from the shrine.
SQUARE
Sleeping
If you plan to stay overnight, try to find a place near the shrine. Most budget places are in
or near 7th Alley (in the past this was known locally as Haramnema Lane), just north of
the Ahanchi Bridge. There are also two good midrange options - one in a fantastic loca-
tion between the shrine and the Imam Hassan Mosque and the other is in a characterless
