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Tash-Khauli Palace

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Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)

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The Tash-Khauli Palace, also known as the 'Stone House,' is a masterpiece of Khivan architecture that served as the primary residence for the Khans. It was constructed between 1830 and 1838 by order of Allah Kuli Khan in the eastern part of the Itchan Kala fortress. The complex is famous for its three distinct courtyards: the Harem, the Reception Hall (Ishrat-Khauli), and the Court of Justice (Arz-Khauli). The walls of these courtyards are adorned with wide-open blue-and-white majolica tiles, while the tall iwans rest on elaborately carved wooden columns. With a total of 163 rooms and numerous labyrinthine corridors, the palace functions almost like a small fortress within the city walls. Its design reflects the architectural transition from traditional fortified dwellings to grand representative palace complexes. The intricate ceiling paintings and delicate stonework are particularly notable. Today, the palace houses various exhibitions on Khivan history and traditional crafts, providing a vivid glimpse into the former royal court life.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-18152429312922134-2
Rain mm91420161041114910

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The magnificent courtyards and sumptuous rooms of this historic palace can be extensively explored by visitors. You will stroll through richly decorated corridors and impressive reception halls that beautifully echo past centuries.
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Typical hours
The palace is typically open during the day as part of the walled old city, with visits in the early morning hours often being less crowded. Opening hours usually align with the general access times for the main historical sites.
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Photography
The artistic tiles and intricate wood carvings offer extraordinary and highly popular photo opportunities for any architecture enthusiast. Photography for personal use is generally permitted, as long as flashes do not damage delicate pigments.
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Time needed
To properly admire the many different courtyards, harem areas, and ceremonial rooms in adequate peace, you should plan for at least one to two hours. Every single room has new and remarkable architectural details waiting to be discovered.
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Combine with
Since the palace is located within the Itchan Kala, it can be ideally combined with the iconic Kalta Minor minaret and the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum. A leisurely walk along the historic city walls perfectly rounds out the visiting experience.
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Getting there
The building is centrally located in the historic old town of Khiva and can be comfortably reached on foot once you have entered the inner city area. Cars are not permitted in the center, making comfortable walking shoes an absolute must.
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Insider tip
Try to visit the magnificent palace in the late afternoon, when the softer light makes the intricate blue majolica tiles glow particularly beautifully. It is also highly worthwhile to hire a good local guide to bring the rich history to life.

Geography

Coordinates
41.37810, 60.36210

Facts

  • The construction of the harem took two years, while the rest of the complex took six more years.
  • Legend has it that the Khan executed the first architect for being too slow with the work.
  • The wooden columns rest on marble bases to protect the timber from ground moisture.
  • There are 163 rooms in total distributed throughout the various wings of the palace.
  • The majolica work was executed under the direction of the famous master Abdullah Djinn.
  • The circular platforms in the courtyards were used to set up yurts for visiting dignitaries.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KhivaKhiva<1 km · SExplore →
Khorezm Melon FieldsKhorezm Melon Fields30 km · NExplore →
UrgenchUrgench31 km · NExplore →
Badai-Tugai Nature ReserveBadai-Tugai Nature Reserve33 km · EExplore →
Dashoguz Cotton Spinning MillDashoguz Cotton Spinning Mill50 km · SEExplore →
Toprak KalaToprak Kala59 km · NEExplore →
GöroglyGörogly67 km · SExplore →
TurtkulTurtkul72 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Sights in the town Tash-Khauli Palace (6)

Said Niyoz Sholikorboy Minaret🏺 historical

A historic minaret in Khiva featuring traditional patterned brickwork and a tapered silhouette.

Vkhod v kompleks📍 landmark

The decorative entrance gate leading into the historic Tash Khauli Palace complex.

Spal'nia Khana📍 landmark

The former private sleeping chambers of the Khan, decorated with intricate wooden carvings.

Kuranty📍 landmark

A prominent historic clock tower featuring a traditional facade and mechanical chimes.

Medrese Dost Aliama🏺 historical

A historic religious building in Khiva featuring a compact courtyard and a small domed prayer hall.

Khiva Bazaar🎭 culture

A traditional marketplace near the East Gate where locals sell silk carpets, spices, and handicrafts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Tash-Hauli Palace?
It was the main palace of the rulers of Khiva.
What is there to see?
Magnificent courtyards, ornate wood carvings, and tiles.
Is the palace big?
Yes, it comprises over 160 rooms, distributed across several courtyards.
How long is a tour?
Allow about an hour for the visit.
Is there a museum there?
Yes, the palace is open to the public as a museum today.
Tash-Khauli Palace: where is it located?
Tash-Khauli Palace is located in Uzbekistan.
Tash-Khauli Palace: what is there to see?
Highlights include Said Niyoz Sholikorboy Minaret, Vkhod v kompleks, Spal'nia Khana.
Tash-Khauli Palace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Tash-Khauli Palace: why is it worth visiting?
The Tash-Khauli Palace, also known as the 'Stone House,' is a masterpiece of Khivan architecture that served as the primary residence for the Khans.
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Nearby cities

Khiva — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Khiva
A stunning oasis city whose old town is a living open-air museum.
Urgench — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Urgench
Administrative center of the Khorezm region and starting point for trips to Khiva.
Görogly — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Görogly
A growing agricultural town in the Daşoguz Region.
Turtkul — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Turtkul
A former capital of Karakalpakstan, located on the banks of the Amu Darya.

History & landmarks

Islam Khoja Minaret — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Islam Khoja Minaret
The tallest minaret in Khiva, dominating the skyline of the historic old town with its elegant, tapering form.
Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
The tomb of the patron saint of Khiva is famous for its spectacular green dome and richly decorated interior.
Kalta Minor — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Kalta Minor
An unfinished minaret in Khiva, completely covered in stunning turquoise tiles.

More places

Ichan Kala — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Ichan Kala
The walled inner city of Khiva is a massive open-air museum full of old mosques and palaces.
Juma Mosque of Khiva — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Juma Mosque of Khiva
This unique mosque is characterized by over two hundred hand-carved wooden pillars that support its flat roof.
Khorezm Melon Fields — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Khorezm Melon Fields
Agricultural areas in the northwest of the country, famous for the sweetest and most aromatic melons in Central Asia.
🗺️
Badai-Tugai Nature Reserve
A unique forest reserve in Karakalpakstan, preserving the last remnants of the riparian forests (tugai) along the Amu Darya river.
🗺️
Dashoguz Cotton Spinning Mill
A large textile factory in the north of the country that processes locally grown cotton into high-quality yarns.
Toprak Kala — Tash-Khauli Palace (Uzbekistan)
Toprak Kala
The ruins of the ancient capital of Khorezm, which reveal a huge palace and a complex city structure.