Sheki

Juma Mosque

Cümə Məscidi

This picturesque mosque has a 40-m spire, from which you will hear the resounding call to prayer 5 times a day. It was built from 1745-1750 and is decorated with exquisite geometric designs.

Daily 06:00-21:00·Donation

Silk Factory

İpək Kombinat

Shaki, in addition to being on the Silk Road, has been a major silk producer over the past four centuries, and is famous for its various silk products. Shaki's silk factory is about a 15-minute walk from the center of town. It is quite difficult to gain entrance into the factory. There is a store adjoining the factory where vendors sell some fine silk items at lower prices than what you would find at the bazaar.

Daily 09:00-17:00

Caravansarai

This building was constructed by the Shaki Khans to house caravans as they passed through on the Silk Road to and from China. This was one of 5 such stops in Azerbaijan during the 18th and 19th centuries, and was the biggest caravansarai on the Silk Road in the entire Transcaucasus region. To this day, it still serves as a place for travelers to stay and eat, and also as a place where one can simply admire its beautiful architecture. In addition to being a main sight, it's also one of the city's best hotel options.

Daily 09:00-13:00

Cultural and Resting Park of BU M.F. Achundov

This is a nice park to go to and sit after a hard morning of shopping. If you are hungry, you can have a picnic on the park grounds or stop in the nearby Kerpish Restaurant

Fazil Village Labyrinth

There is a labyrinth that is being excavated from the 4th and 3rd century BCE. It was the site of ritual sacrificing and graves. The labyrinth is open to the public. It is in Fazil Village, 25 km (16 mi) southwest of the city.

Gelersen-Gorsesen Fortress

This is an ancient fortress that aided the Shaki khanate in resisting Nadir Shah's incursions in the adjacent village of 'Kish.

Haydar Aliyev Museum

A museum dedicated to the first president of independent Azerbaijan (and to the perpetuation of his personality cult), across the street from the Shaki Olympic Complex. The museum is full of pictures, books, and statues dedicated to the man.

Daily 10:00-17:00·Free

Khansarai

Palace of the Shaki Khans

This palace, along with the Caravansarai, is one of Shaki's true must-sees. During the city's period of independence as the Shaki Khanate, Khan Hussein constructed the palace, its gardens, and fortifications to serve as the summer palace of the Shaki Khans. The palace is exquisite, inside and out, and the courtyard boasts panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain forests. You could make a good half day of this one site, as there are also various museums, parks, and a nice tea house right on the palace grounds. Photography is forbidden for unclear reasons, and a member of staff will follow you to enforce this. The site unfortunately has no information in Azeri or English.

Daily 10:00-18:00·9 manat for foreigners

M. Fuzuli Adina Pk

This central park is quite nice during the summer, and it has a couple tea houses where you can kick back and relax.

Shaki Government Painting Gallery

This art gallery is near the Palace of the Shaki Khans and features paintings by various Shaki artists and students.

Closed · opens 9 am tomorrow·0.40 manat

Square Tower

There is a square tower in Aidanbulag villages about 20 km (12 mi) away from Shaki. The site was used as an observation tower for the eastern frontier of the Shaki Khanate. The tower is square with circular projections protruding from each corner.

The Rashidbey Efendihad House Museum

This museum is dedicated to one of Shaki's most famous educators and authors, Rashidbey Efendihade.

Daily 10:00-17:00·Free

World War II Memorial

World War II memorials are a dime a dozen throughout Azerbaijan, but this particular memorial distinguishes itself with its impressive panoramic vista of the city.