The province of Razavi Khorasan is the host of Imam Reza and one of the poles of religious tourism in Iran. one of the religious tourism attractions in this province is Imam Reza’s Qadamgah in Nishapur that can be considered the main religious attraction in this city.
Nishapur Qadamgah is the place of passing Imam Reza through this city. It is located 24 kilometers east of Nishapur; a building that is placed inside a large and green garden that increases its glory.
The building of Qadamgah was built in 11th century AH ordered by Shah Abbas Safavi. According to the historical narratives, it seems 60 years after the construction, parts of the building were ruined by an earthquake. After that Shah Soleiman Safavi decided to restore the Qadamgah. Naser al-Din Shah Qajar also considered this building in time of his reign.
Several parts were added to the building in different periods among which two caravanserais, cistern, bathhouse and retire rooms for pilgrims and passengers can be referred. Although the caravanserais that were built in time of Shah Abbas and a Chaparkhaneh (then post office) that were next to the building are now ruined.
There is a water spring near the Qadamgah that, according to the religious narratives, was boiled from the ground by the will of Imam Reza. There also is a stone inside the building on which the footmark of two feet is visible. People believe that this footmark belongs to Imam Reza. However, the reality is that Imam Reza lovers depicted this pattern on the stone as the memory of passing Imam Reza through their city.
Apart from these issues, Imam Reza Qadmagah has also another religious importance; Imam Reza quoted one of his most famous hadiths at this place. When Imam Reza entered Nishapur, which was one of the main cities of Khorasan in that time, many people welcomed him. It was at the same time that he quoted one of the most famous Shia’ hadiths that had heard from former Imams. That is why this hadith is known as the Gold Chain (سلسله الذهب in Arabic).
