Palace of Shaki Khans

About

The Palace of the Shaki Khans sits within the city of Shaki itself as a stunning architectural gem, its purpose intended to ward off the upheavals of the world in 1797. However, the fate of the ruling Shaki Khans didn’t align with their hopes. While the summer palace offers a whimsical ambiance reminiscent of a scene from a Wes Anderson film, with meticulous symmetry and cosmopolitan flair, its peaceful oasis was intercepted in 1819 by the Russian army. Today, admire the blend of French stained glass, Russian woodwork, Ottoman ceramics, and Iranian mirror work. Marvel at the intricate tilework, depicting the Shaki cavalry bearing pikes adorned with mustachioed heads, while the carved mirrors reflect the stunning sun. Immersed in the palace’s intricate details, one’s imagination drifts into the realm of the Shaki’s daily rituals and the invading army’s impact on their bubble of fantasy. Entry is 10 AZN, open every day from 10AM to 6PM.