About this experience
In childhood, my friends and I loved riding bikes in the evenings in the old city among the buildings of the 14-15th centuries. After sunset, all architectural objects are illuminated: it looks magical, as if in the tale of "1001 Nights"! Years later, I decided to immerse myself in this atmosphere again and share emotions with you - the guests of our city! And along the way, show you the main "pearls" of ancient Samarkand.
What to Expect
Russian part of the city - Abramovsky Boulevard. It was laid in the 1870s after Samarkand was captured by Imperial Russia. At that time, it was considered a kind of border between the old and new parts of the city. Here are located the administrative and banking centers - impressive buildings made of burnt brick.
Old part of the city - Mausoleum of Gur-Emir. A beautiful example of medieval architecture. The ribbed dome and the walls of the mausoleum are completely covered with mosaic of light and dark blue bricks, gilding and paintings. And the relief rosettes on the dome imitate the starry sky.
Main square Registan. Magnificent madrasahs surround it from three sides, the portals of which face the center. All the buildings have a unique decor that sets them apart.
The largest mosque of the 15th century - Bibi-Khanym. The scale of this monumental structure is breathtaking. The mosque's dome was once compared to the celestial vault, and the portal arch - to the Milky Way.
Siyob Bazaar. Visiting Samarkand and not going to the bazaar means missing something very important. The eastern market is a completely unique environment, where you can best feel the lively atmosphere of the ancient city.
Mausoleum of Hazrat-Khyzr Mosque. Located in the south of the settlement of Afrasiab. The ivan (covered canopy on columns) is richly decorated with ornaments. And from it, you can get into the khanaka - the abode of dervishes.
Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble. Consists of a chain of elegant, sparkling with blue paints mausoleums of the 14-15 centuries. Harmoniously intertwining in a lively and dynamic composition, the mausoleums are closely grouped along a narrow medieval street.
During the tour you will learn:
- Why Samarkand is divided into several parts
- Where the great commander Amir Timur is buried
- How many people the city's largest mosque accommodates
- How the "Russian Quarter" appeared in Samarkand
- Where the best institutes in the world are located
- And much more
Organizational Details
- Age restriction 16+
- Bike included in the price
- All landmarks are viewed from the outside
