Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

The watchtower of the Khuna Ark, the fortress and residence of the rulers of Khiva, in Uzbekistan.

© NICOLA MESSANA PHOTOS/Shutterstock

Watchtower

Khiva


At the back right corner of the throne room in the Kuhna Ark, a door in the wall leads to a flight of steps up to the watchtower, the original part of the Ark, set right against the Ichon-Qala’s massive west wall. It's well worth paying the fee to climb up here – the city views are extraordinary, especially at sunset.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Khiva attractions

1. Kuhna Ark

0.04 MILES

To your left after you enter the West Gate stands the Kuhna Ark – the Khiva rulers’ own fortress and residence, first built in the 12th century by one Ok…

2. Zindon

0.06 MILES

The small, low-slung building to the left of the entrance outside the main Kuhna Ark fortress is the Zindon (Khans’ Jail), with a simple display of chains…

3. West Gate

0.08 MILES

The twin-turreted West Gate (Ota-Darvoza, literally ‘Father Gate') is the main entrance to the Ichon-Qala and the place to buy your admission ticket. The…

4. Kalta Minor Minaret

0.09 MILES

This fat, turquoise-tiled minaret was begun in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, who according to legend wanted to build a minaret so high he could see all the…

5. Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa

0.1 MILES

East of the Kuhna Ark, across an open space that was once a busy palace square (and place of execution), the 19th-century Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa is…

6. Ichon-Qala

0.12 MILES

Khiva's Ichon-Qala is one of the great highlights of Uzbekistan. The perfectly preserved medieval walled town is home to dozens of mosques, medressas and…

7. Sayid Alauddin Mausoleum

0.12 MILES

This small mausoleum dates to 1310 when Khiva was under the Golden Horde of the Mongol empire. You might find people praying in front of the 19th-century…

8. Juma Mosque

0.17 MILES

Almost in the centre of the Ichon-Qala, the large and atmospheric Juma Mosque is interesting for the 218 wooden columns supporting its roof – a concept…