Gawhar Shad Madrasa and Mausoleum Tourism

Type of destination: Historical Landmark

Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours

The Gawhar Shad Madrasa and Mausoleum is a historical Islamic complex located in Herat, Afghanistan, which was once a flourishing center of the Timurid Empire. It was built by the empress Gawhar Shad, the wife of Shah Rukh, the son of the conqueror Timur (Tamerlane), in the early 15th century. This architectural masterpiece was part of a larger religious and cultural complex, including a mosque, a madrasa, and a mausoleum, where Gawhar Shad herself was buried after her death. The site is renowned for its splendid Timurid architecture, featuring intricate tile work, grand domes, and minarets that once soared into the skyline of Herat. Despite the damages over the centuries, particularly due to warfare and neglect, the surviving structures continue to be emblematic of the rich history and artistic achievements of the period. Today, the remnants of the complex stand as a testament to the city's past splendor and remain an important cultural and historical site in Afghanistan, albeit in urgent need of preservation and restoration efforts.

Top 5 Reviews on Gawhar Shad Madrasa and Mausoleum

EdinKrnic

Wrote on 27th Jun, 2019

Old Persian architecture

And this is must visit place in beautiful Herat. Walls on madrasah are very similar to Samarkand and Bukhara. Recommend with all my heart

safadan

Wrote on 31st Mar, 2019

Interesting !

Nice garden. The first Wednesday of year this garden is used by women and entering men is forbidden. Also a few minarets beside it are great and worth seeing.

waheed5960

Wrote on 2nd Dec, 2018

good veiw

It is also very good place to visit in Herat, Afghanistan. It is historical place in country. I have visited.

jolier787

Wrote on 27th Sep, 2018

The history!!

The curator of this site LOVES his job. He had me riveted and now wanting to read all about Gawhar Shad. Most of this is destroyed, but don't let that deter you - GO!

azind2014

Wrote on 26th Dec, 2017

Sand and dust and history

This is a beauty on its own but also surrounded by the minarets of Herat city. Build for a queen thousands of years ago it amazing to see how little damage is done to them with all the years of war an..

Gawhar Shad Madrasa and Mausoleum Tourism

Gawhar Shad Madrasa and Mausoleum Tourism

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