Plizio Visual Lab

Palace of Shaki Khans

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Palace of Shaki Khans is an exceptional historical monument in the city of Shaki. Built in the late 18th century, it served as a summer residence for the Shaki Khans. The building is world-renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, especially the impressive 'shebeke' windows. These colorful glass mosaics are assembled without glue or nails, creating a fascinating play of light inside. The facade is painted with intricate geometric patterns and scenes of hunting and battle, while the interiors are adorned with frescoes ranging from flowers to epic poems by Nizami Ganjavi. The palace, located within a fortified complex, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the historic center of Shaki, and is considered a masterpiece of Persian-influenced architecture in Azerbaijan.

Location: Azerbaijan
Top sights: Shaki Khan Palace · Sheki fortress · "ABAD" Sheki ceramics and applied art center
Nearby: Gakh (35 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	5	9	13	20	25	28	28	23	16	10	5
Rain mm	18	22	34	44	53	38	26	22	34	40	24	14

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Palace of Shaki Khans can be viewed from outside as a monument, but the interior is only accessible via a museum visit. You can admire the building from the street and observe the ornate facade details.

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Typical hours

The exterior is accessible at any time as it is in a public space. For interior visits, typical museum hours apply, usually 9 AM to 5 PM. Hours may differ on holidays.

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Photography

Exterior photography is allowed any time without restrictions. For interior shots, a ticket is usually required and flash is generally prohibited. Follow the signs on site.

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Time needed

If only viewing the exterior, 15-20 minutes suffice. For a full visit including interiors, allow at least one hour.

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Combine with

Combine the palace visit with the nearby caravanserai and the old town of Sheki. The surrounding tea houses also offer a pleasant break. All these sights are within walking distance of each other.

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Getting there

The palace is in the historic center of Sheki, easily reachable on foot from the central square. Taxis stop near the entrance. Parking is limited on surrounding streets.

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Insider tip

Stop by in the late afternoon when the setting sun bathes the facade in golden light. This is the best time for exterior shots without crowds.

Geography

Coordinates

41.20520, 47.19770

Facts

It was built in 1797 as a summer residence for the Shaki Khans.
Famous for its 'shebeke' stained glass, assembled without nails or glue.
The facade features murals depicting scenes of war and hunting.
The interior walls are covered with complex frescoes.
It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019.
The construction used a mix of traditional and Persian architectural styles.
It stands within the larger Shaki Fortress complex.
No nails were used in the construction of the palace.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Shaki Caravanserai<1 km · WExplore →

Shaki3 km · SExplore →

Church of Kish3 km · EExplore →

Ilisu State Reserve32 km · SEExplore →

Gakh35 km · SEExplore →

Mingachevir Hydroelectric Power Station35 km · SWExplore →

Kura River37 km · SWExplore →

Turyanchay State Reserve40 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Palace of Shaki Khans (10)

Shaki Khan Palace

Summer residence of the Shaki khans, famous for its intricate stained-glass windows and wall paintings.

Sheki fortress

18th-century fortress enclosing the old town of Shaki.

"ABAD" Sheki ceramics and applied art center

Center for traditional ceramics and applied arts in Shaki, with workshops and exhibitions.

Three Saints Church in Sheki Fortress

19th-century Armenian church inside the fortress walls of Shaki.

Shaki Museum of History and Local Lore🏛 museum

Local history museum in Shaki, displaying artifacts from the region's past.

Sheki State Art Gallery🏛 museum

State-run art gallery in Shaki, hosting rotating exhibitions of Azerbaijani artists.

Mirza Fatali Akhundov's House Museum🏛 museum

Birthplace of Azerbaijani writer Mirza Fatali Akhundov, now a memorial museum.

Imam @li m@scidi

Shia mosque in Shaki, serving the local community for prayers.

Minar@ 1880 il

Historic minaret in Shaki, built in 1880.

Gilehli Minar@ 18-ci @sr

18th-century minaret in the Gilehli district of Shaki.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get to the Khan's Palace?

Best on foot or by local taxi in Şəki.

Are there wait times?

Possible in high season.

Are guided tours mandatory?

Yes, you go through in groups.

Can you photograph the windows?

Only from the outside.

Is the palace UNESCO listed?

Yes, it is part of the world heritage.

Palace of Shaki Khans: where is it located?

Palace of Shaki Khans is located in Azerbaijan.

Palace of Shaki Khans: what is there to see?

Highlights include Shaki Khan Palace, Sheki fortress, "ABAD" Sheki ceramics and applied art center.

Palace of Shaki Khans: when is the best time to visit?