Places of Interest

You will already have noticed various beautiful historical monuments, even if you only peeped into the caravanseri in passing. Now it’s time to head to the Khan’s Palace, or Khan Serai, where the khans of Sheki used to live. This Persian-style palace was built in the 18th century, (though different sources provide different information about dates). Today the khan’s residence is a museum. Almost none of the palace’s interior furnishings have survived, but this does not detract from the beauty of the murals that tell the story of the history of the state, the lives and outlook of the palace residents and the philosophy of its rulers. Museum guides will tell you about the battles and intrigues that are illustrated on the walls and ceilings and help you decode the signs and symbols. They will tell you the local legends, the secrets of construction without nails and the art of making shebeke windows, which are often mistaken for stained glass.

The interior and history of the nearby Shekikhanovs’ House is no less interesting. Other places that are well worth a visit are the ancient mosques and fortresses and, of course, the underground bathhouse. In ancient times people traditionally visited baths not only to wash themselves, but also to share secrets, make deals, decide other people’s futures and plan marriages.