What to visit in Samarkand: the must-sees
Considered the "pearl of the Orient," Samarkand is renowned for the splendor of its religious buildings, its mausoleums and its necropolises.
Considered the "pearl of the Orient," Samarkand is renowned for the splendor of its religious buildings, its mausoleums and its necropolises. A former crossroads of the Silk Road, the city is today an open-air museum, where traditional and contemporary architecture blend together… From the Registan Square to the Eternal City complex, discover the 6 must-see sites to visit in Samarkand!
1. Registan Square and its 3 madrasahs - THE site to visit in Samarkand
Registan Square is an architectural marvel that contributed to Samarkand's inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage list! Its name means "place of sands." Why? Public executions were once carried out there, and to absorb all the blood spilled, it was covered with sand… The square is surrounded by three splendid madrasahs (Quranic schools).
The madrasah of Ulugh Beg
Built in the 15th century, Ulugh Beg is the oldest of the three buildings and bears the name of a mathematician sultan. It is renowned for the richness of its architecture, made of mosaic sculptures, faïence tiles and marble – all adorned with sumptuous motifs. In its design, the building features a majestic pishtak and four minarets (towers) over 30 m high!
The madrasah of Cher-Dor
Nicknamed the "madrasah of lions" (because of the two felines that adorn the entrance of the building), the structure is composed of several towers, covered in majolica. You will be able to see ornaments of climbing flowers and sacred texts.
The madrasah of Tilla-Qari
Located in the center of the square, Tilla Kari was built last (in the early 17th century) at the request of governor Yalangtouch Bakhodour, who wanted to achieve perfect harmony around the square! Covered in gold, it is particularly beautiful at sunset…
Practical information
Opening hours: Registan Square is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm (5 pm in winter)
Admission fees: 100,000 soums (approximately 8 €) for each madrasah or 150,000 soums if you wish to take photos
2. Bibi Khanym Mosque
Built in the early 15th century, under the Timurid empire, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque (or Bibi Khanym) is known for its splendid pishtak (portal with Islamic architecture) and its blue ceramic dome. Damaged by its own weight over time, the building was renovated in the 20th century, and today stands proudly in the center of Samarkand.
Practical information
Address: MX6J+72W, Bibikhonim Str, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Opening hours: 8 am-7 pm April to October; 9 am to 5 pm November to March
Tip: it is recommended to wear trousers to cover your legs and avoid tight-fitting clothing when entering the mosque.
3. Shah-e-Zindeh Necropolis
Built in the 11th century, the Shah-e-Zindeh necropolis (UNESCO-listed) is among Samarkand's must-see sites. Standing on the Afrasiab hill, the city is home to numerous mausoleums. Among them, you will notice that of Touman Aka (one of the wives of the famous warrior Tamerlan), recognizable by its richly decorated tomb.
Throughout the site, you will also be able to admire superb muqarnas (constructions typical of Islamic architecture, which resemble beehives), as well as magnificent turquoise-blue faïence mosaics, which sparkle in the sunlight…
Practical information
Address: MX7Q+257, M-37, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Opening hours: open daily from 8 am to 9 pm (closing at 5 pm outside the tourist season).
Admission fee: 15,000 soums
4. Gur-e Amir Mausoleum
The Gur-e Amir mausoleum houses the tombs of several Timurid sovereigns (all from the dynasty of Tamerlan). The site was built between 1403 and 1404 at the request of Timur the Great, for the burial of his grandson Muhammad Sultan who died prematurely.
You will be able to visit crypts and cenotaphs (decorative tombs without bodies) and admire superb architecture, alternately covered with motifs, mosaics and gilding.
Practical information
Address: JXX9+CM Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
Admission fee: 25,000 soums (35,000 soums, if you wish to take photos).
5. Saint-Alexis Church
Located in Samarkand's Russian quarter, the Saint-Alexis Church has a rich historical past, marked by many twists and turns (notably, the building was closed by the Soviets in the 1920s).
Upon discovering it, you will be struck by its impressive dimensions (24 m in length and 16 m in width!) and will discover a neo-Russian architectural style, made of stained glass windows and colorful floors.
Practical information
Address: 70 Bobur Mirzo St, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
6. The Eternal City Complex
Located on the Silk Road, discover the Eternal City complex. Inaugurated in 2022, this gigantic tourist site features traditional architecture (inspired by the most beautiful cities of Uzbekistan). On site, you can visit craft workshops (ceramics, embroidery, etc.) but also taste local gastronomy in one of the many restaurants.
Practical information
Address: гребной канал, Samarqand 140100
Opening hours: daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Frequently asked questions
The 6 must-see sites in Samarkand are: Registan Square and its 3 madrasahs, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Shah-e-Zindeh Necropolis, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Saint-Alexis Church and the Eternal City complex.
Admission to each madrasah of Registan Square is 100,000 soums (approximately 8 €). If you wish to take photos inside, the fee is 150,000 soums.
The best time to visit Samarkand is in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), when temperatures are mild and tourist crowds are moderate. Summer can be very hot and winter cold.
Yes, several sites in Samarkand are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Registan Square and Shah-e-Zindeh Necropolis, due to their exceptional architectural and historical value.
French citizens can visit Uzbekistan without a visa for short-term tourist stays. However, it is recommended to check the conditions in force with the Uzbekistan embassy or consulate before your departure.
There are no direct flights from France to Samarkand. You generally have to transit through Istanbul, Moscow or Dubai. The total journey takes an average of 7 to 10 hours depending on connections.
