Ak-Saray Palace, Shahrisabz
Oqsaroy, Shahrisabz
The ruins of Timur's summer palace in his birthplace, where the surviving giant portal rises about 38 m and forms the core of the Shahrisabz Historic Centre, a World Heritage Site.
Shahrisabz is the birthplace of Timur, and he built the White Palace here over more than two decades. Today only two massive gate towers survive, broken and standing about 38 m high. Their surfaces still show blue, white and gold tile inscriptions, and they are truly impressive. In front of the ruins are a newly built statue of Timur and a large square with green lawns. Viewing the exterior is free, while climbing the towers or entering the exhibition requires a small fee. It is about 80 km from Samarkand. The route crosses the Takhtakaracha Pass, and a hired car takes about 1.5-2 hours one way. It is usually combined with the mosque complex below as a day trip.
Opening hours
all day (exterior of site only)
Nearby sights
- Dorut Tilovat & Kok Gumbaz, Shahrisabz
- Urgut Bazaar
- Khoja Ahrar Complex
- St. Alexius Cathedral
- Abdi Darun Complex
- Aksaray Mausoleum
- Gur-e-Amir
- Ishratkhona Mausoleum