Ark of Bukhara

Sobre

Fatos rápidos: The fortress rises 20 meters high with walls made of packed earth, covering roughly 4 hectares of central Bukhara. After Russian forces bombarded the stronghold in 1920, only about 20 percent of the original structures survived.

Destaques: The Registan square directly in front of the fortress once hosted public executions every Friday, with condemned prisoners thrown from the elevated gate ramp. A little-known fact: the last emir escaped through a secret underground tunnel when the Red Army breached the walls in 1920, leaving behind his harem and treasury.

Dicas de quem conhece

• Skip the guided tour and pick up the 10,000 som map at the entrance instead, it covers the same information at your own pace.
• Climb to the top of the gate ramp for the best view of the Registan square and the city skyline.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes because the packed earth paths and uneven staircases inside the fortress are dusty and slippery.
• Visit the small throne room on the right after entering the main gate, it has the most intact original ceiling paintings from the 19th century.

Informações práticas

Como chegar

Site oficial

Mais atrações em Samarkand

Registan Square

Shah-i-Zinda

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum