Must-See Places To Visit In Sheki: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Sheki, a charming city in Azerbaijan known for its vivid culture, rich history, and breathtaking scenery, lies tucked away in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Top activities for tourists looking for Sheki Azerbaijan things to do include touring the Sheki Khan's Palace, which is well-known for its elaborate stained glass windows, and visiting the historic Albanian church in the village of Kish.

The vibrant bazaar in the city, where traders sell fresh vegetables, textiles, and handicrafts made locally, has a dynamic atmosphere. The nearby Sheki Fortress, with its well-preserved walls and towers, offers a window into the past of the city.

If you traveled all the way to Azerbaijan and missed Sheki, that would be unfortunate. In this article, Azerbaijan Immigration Services will provide the incredible attractions and some useful information for exploring Sheki. Without delay, let's delve into the must-see places to visit in Sheki to add to your itinerary map.

Top Places To Visit In Sheki For Travelers

There are many places to visit in Sheki Azerbaijan, each with its own distinct charm and personality. These include the Shaki Caravanserai, a well-preserved historic inn used by merchants along the Silk Road, the Sheki Khan's Palace, a stunning 18th-century structure that displays traditional Azerbaijani architecture and design, and the bazaar, a bustling market noted for its wide selection of regional crafts and products. 

When visiting Sheki, these attractions are a must-see, so make sure to organize your schedule around them.

Sheki Khan Palace

The majestic Palace of Sheki Khan, housed in the city fortification, holds a particular place in people's hearts because of its vibrant mosaic windows and wall paintings. The Palace of Sheki Khan is a unique example of folk architecture (wood engraving) combined with Oriental palace architecture traditions (wall paintings and varnishing). The palace's front is elaborately decorated with complicated geometric and botanical designs, as well as pictures depicting hunting and war.

The majestic Palace of Sheki Khan is housed in the city fortification of Sheki

Caravanserai

A historic roadside inn from the Silk Road era, the Caravanserai (also known as Karvansaray) served travelers and merchants (also known as caravaners) en route. After a strenuous day of travel, tourists frequently stay at Caravanserai to relax and recuperate.

You can find many surviving caravans on the ancient Silk Road even today, and one of the best preserved is in Sheki Old Town. 

Sheki's Caravanserai is now a hotel for those who want to know what it was like to rest like caravaners during the Silk Road era. You can enter the grounds for free but you can only stay in the beautiful, large courtyard.

A historic roadside inn from the Silk Road era, the Caravanserai served travelers and merchants en route

Winter Palace

Located a bit southwest of Sheki Khans Palace is a truly hidden gem of equal splendor, the Winter Palace. The Winter Palace is not as popular with tourists as the Palace of Sheki Khan because of its concealed location within the winding lanes of Sheki's Old Town.

Like Sheki Khan Palace, you'll get access to some sumptuously decorated rooms where you can truly enjoy its presence without being cramped in a small room with hundreds of tourists other.

The late afternoon, just before sunset, is the best time to visit the Winter Palace because of the direct sunlight hitting the vibrant mosaic windows, which reflect the color onto the floor.

Located a bit southwest of Sheki Khans Palace is a truly hidden gem of equal splendor, the Winter Palace

Read more about best time of year to visit Baku, Azerbaijan

Sheki Old Town

Explore Sheki's Old Town, which is home to numerous stunning red-brick buildings from the Silk Road era. The medina's crisscrossing streets will take you away from the usual tourist attractions and allow you to truly immerse yourself in Sheki's culture.

Sheki Bazaar

No visit to Sheki is complete without experiencing its vibrant bazaar. Located in the heart of the city, the Sheki Bazaar is a bustling hub where locals gather to buy and sell fresh produce, spices, crafts, and textiles. Stroll through its lively alleys, sample local delicacies such as pomegranates and honey, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Azerbaijani daily life.

Don't hesitate to chat with the seller and taste the products; you can leave with some snacks or unique spices.

No visit to Sheki is complete without experiencing its vibrant bazaar

Church of Kish

Said to be among the oldest Christian churches in the Caucasus, the Church of Kish is situated in the village of Kish, not far from Sheki, and dates back to the first century A.D. There is a calm, contemplative feeling in the church and the cemetery that surrounds it. 

You will start to notice the subtle Persian and Russian influences scattered throughout Sheki's Old Town as you take in all of the gorgeous buildings. It's a particular blend that you don't see very often anywhere else in the world.

The Church of Kish is situated in the village of Kish, not far from Sheki

Sheki Fortress

Not only Sheki Khan Palace but inside the walls of Sheki Fort you will find many interesting attractions waiting for you to explore. One of the attractions is the Church of the Three Saints, a beautiful circular Caucasian Albanian Church that is not often seen.

The Sheki Government Painting Gallery, which displays the works of numerous well-known artists and students residing in Sheki, and the Wall of Art and Crafts, a wall full of ceramic artwork situated directly before the Palace of Sheki Khan, are two other fascinating attractions within Sheki Fortress.

About The Weather In Sheki Azerbaijan

Spring and fall are the best times of year to visit Sheki because of the pleasant weather and the fewer visitors. May and October are very pleasant months to visit because of their pleasant weather and abundance of festivals and cultural events. The weather in Sheki Azerbaijan can get quite hot and congested in the summer, and most people find the winter months to be too cold and snowy.

The warmest months are June through August, when it's 20 to 25 degrees, a lot colder than in Baku and the lowlands, where it may get as high as 40 degrees. The coldest months are December through February, when temperatures seldom get above freezing. Sheki and the neighboring mountain regions are likely to see snow during this time of year.

Spring and fall are the best times of year to visit Sheki 

Exploring Hotels In Sheki Azerbaijan

Sheki offers a wide range of excellent lodging choices, from high-end hotels to reasonably priced guesthouses and hostels. The Sheki Saray Hotel, a stunning and well-appointed hotel in the center of the city, the Sheki Palace Hotel, a traditional Azerbaijani-style hotel with cozy rooms and first-rate service, and the Sheki Guest House, a quaint and reasonably priced guesthouse ideal for travelers on a tight budget, are a few of the greatest hotels in Sheki Azerbaijan.

Explore more about top cheap hotels in Baku: Journey of budget-friendly bliss

Plan Your Trip To Sheki Azerbaijan

Sheki is a must-see location in Azerbaijan because of its captivating history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Sheki Azerbaijan offers unique experiences at every turn, whether you're exploring nature, haggling at the busy bazaar for local items, or meandering through historic palaces.  

To streamline your travel plans, consider applying for an Azerbaijan eVisa through our website. Our platform offers a convenient and secure way to obtain your visa, ensuring a seamless entry into. By choosing to apply with us, you'll benefit from straightforward processing, expert assistance throughout the application process, and timely updates on your visa status. 

Plan your journey today and discover why this enchanting city continues to captivate visitors from all over the world.