Kyzyl-Kala
Qizilqal’a
A square red mud-brick fortress beside the road. Restoration has left its outline clear, and it is the first stop on the desert fortress route.
Kyzyl-Kala, meaning "Red Fortress", is a square fortress with sides of about 65 metres, built around the 1st to 4th centuries AD. Its walls and towers have been restored and are well preserved. Together with Toprak-Kala, about 3 km to the east, it formed part of the defensive system of the ancient Khwarezmian kingdom. The site lies right beside the road. Park, then walk in. From the walls you can see cotton fields and the desert. A visit takes about half an hour, and it is usually the first stop on a day trip to the desert fortresses departing from Khiva.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Toprak-Kala
- Ayaz-Kala
- Nurullabay Palace
- Tash Hauli Palace
- Palvan Darvaza & Allakuli Khan Caravanserai
- Allakuli Khan Madrasa
- Kutlug Murad Inaq Madrasa
- Anusha Khan Bathhouse