11 Places To Visit In Samarkand

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Tombs & Mausoleums (4)
Historical Site (3)
Mosque (1)
Shopping Market (1)

1. Registan Square

1 km from city center

Tombs & Mausoleums

Registan square is the central landmark of Samarkand and one of the most important monuments of Islamic arts. The square is embraced by majestic madrassahs on three sides, each adorned with its own unique decorations. These are the world’s oldest preserved medressas. There are light shows held every evening at the Square, making it a wonderful site to visit at night. There are multiple gift shops (Read More)here that sell all kinds of souvenirs from traditional clothes to intricate paintings.

2 km from city center

Tombs & Mausoleums

The Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble is a collection of mausoleums and sacred buildings dating from the 11th to the 15th and 19th centuries. It is comprised of various buildings, with the Kusam-ibn-Abbas complex serving as the initial main body, located in the northeast corner. The blue colored mosaic art on the walls creat a kalidoscopic charm. These mosaics also create sceneries that show influences from C (Read More)entral Asian culture, Quranic scriptures, and Persian lore and literature.

0 km from city center

Tombs & Mausoleums

Gur Emir Mausoleum is the tomb of Amir Timur and is also known as Amir Temur Mausoleum. The mausoleum also consists of the tombs of Timur’s sons and grandson. It is known for its historical significance and the grand architecture. The dome's remarkable height, supported by a tall cylindrical drum, necessitated advanced engineering techniques, are believed to be influenced by Persian architects. Th (Read More)e entrance portal is lavishly adorned with intricately carved bricks and a variety of mosaic designs.

2 km from city center

Mosque

Bibi-Khanym Mosque is a 14th century mausoleum and one of the biggest mosques in the Islamic world. It is a magnificent example of Muslim medieval architecture. With its towering dome reaching 40 meters high, it offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the era of Tamerlane. Additionally, within the courtyard are two smaller mosques, one adorned with breathtaking Arabic calligraphy. The middle of the (Read More)courtyard is marked by a large stone pedestal made of marble, traditionally used for holding the Quran.

2 km from city center

Shopping Market

Siyab Bazar in Samarkand is a bustling market that beckons visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. It is a treasure trove of authentic and unique items that capture the essence of Uzbekistan. Among its offerings are local handicrafts, including exquisite silk carpets and clothing adorned with traditional and contemporary designs. The market is roofed so it stays lively in any weathe (Read More)r. The vendors set their stall before sunrise and sell till late at night.

4 km from city center

Historical Site

The Observatory of Ulugbek is a fascinating one of the most advanced observatories of its time, showcasing the astronomical achievements of the Islamic world during the Timurid Empire. The main attraction of the observatory is its giant sextant, which was used by Ulugbek in the 15th century to observe and map the stars with remarkable accuracy. Today the observatory is a famous historical site tha (Read More)t also holds a small museum dedicated to Ulugbek and his scientific accomplishments. Here, you can learn more about Ulugbek’s contributions to the field of astronomy.

7. Afrosiyab Museum

Museum

Located near the ancient settlement of Afrosyiab, the Afrosiyab Museum in Samarkand stands as a tribute to the city's rich history, nestled in the northern part near the central bazaar and the ancient hills of Afrosiyab. Once a bustling center, Afrosyiab was tragically razed by the Mongols in the 13th century. The museum traces Samarkand's evolution from the era of Alexander the Great through capt (Read More)ivating exhibits including ossuaries, ancient weaponry like swords and arrows, coins, pottery, and exquisite frescoes from the Samarkand palace of the Ikhshidid dynasty.

0 km from city center

Tombs & Mausoleums

The Rukhabad Mausoleum, constructed in 1380 under the orders of Amir Timur, stands as a tribute to the revered Islamic scholar and mystic, Sheikh Burhaneddin Sagaradzhi. Its unique architecture features an arched octahedron supported by a cubic base and crowned by a dome structure. Inside, the decoration is simple, highlighted by a two-meter ceramic plate with glazed brick inserts forming a narrow (Read More) band along the wall foundation.

1 km from city center

The Tilla-Kari Madrassah, located in Registan Square is a stunning architectural gem that attracts visitors from around the world. Its breathtaking facade adorned with intricate blue and gold mosaics, showcasing the finest craftsmanship of the Timurid era. Its lavish decoration, featuring intricate herbal motifs and linear patterns adorn the entire building. Within the western part of the madrassa (Read More)h lies a mosque, distinguished by its grand glazed dome.

1 km from city center

Historical Site

Ulugbek Masrasah, located in the Registan Square was an important learning center of the Timurid era. The main attraction of the madrasa is its stunning architecture, featuring intricate tilework and majestic domes. It was one of the earliest Islamic universities built in the 15th century by the renowned astronomer and ruler, Ulugbek. Currently it is renowned for its beautiful entrance decoration (Read More)of star designs and a smaller internal alcove covered in majolica tiles. The building becomes a beautiful sight in the evening during the light show at the Registan Square.

3 km from city center

Historical Site

The Afrosiyab Settlement in Samarkand is one of the earliest settlements that traces its roots back to the middle of the first millennium BC, when it was initially fortified. Today, Afrasiyab stands as an area of uninhabited hills bordering the northern side of the modern city. It holds well-preserved remnants of ancient civilization, including ruins of palaces, temples, and residential buildings. (Read More) Visitors can explore the remnants of ancient walls, pottery, and artifacts that provide insight into the lifestyle and culture of the people who lived there.