Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Things to do in Sheki include exploring its historical sites, cultural landmarks, and traditional crafts. Located in northwestern Azerbaijan, Sheki is known for its rich heritage and well-preserved architecture. The city has been a key centre for silk production and trade for centuries. Visitors can explore palaces, mosques, and museums while experiencing local craftsmanship. Sheki’s blend of history and culture offers various activities for travellers. This guide highlights the best things to do in Sheki, ensuring a well-rounded visit to this fascinating destination.
Explore The Top 10 Things To Do In Sheki
Sheki offers a range of historical and cultural experiences. From architectural wonders to hidden local gems, here are the top things to do in Sheki:
1. Visit Sheki Khan’s Palace
Photo: Urek Meniashvili / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Sheki is to visit Sheki Khan’s Palace, a stunning architectural masterpiece built in the 18th century. Known for its exquisite stained-glass windows and intricate wooden carvings, the palace stands as a testament to Azerbaijani artistry. Inside, visitors can admire elaborate frescoes that depict scenes from history, mythology, and royal life. The symmetrical layout of the palace enhances its grandeur, with each room displaying detailed ornamental work. As a summer retreat for the Sheki Khans, the palace played a key role in regional governance, making it a significant historical landmark.
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Murals, stained-glass windows, wooden carvings
2. Tour The Khan’s Mosque And Museum
Photo: President.az / Wikimedia Commons
The Khan’s Mosque, an important religious site in Sheki, reflects the region’s deep Islamic heritage. Built in the 18th century, this mosque recently underwent extensive restoration, bringing its intricate tilework and calligraphy back to life. Inside, visitors can explore a beautifully designed prayer hall, featuring decorative arches and domed ceilings. The adjacent museum displays rare manuscripts, traditional prayer rugs, and religious artefacts that highlight Sheki’s spiritual traditions. The mosque’s courtyard, with its shaded seating areas, offers a peaceful setting for visitors to reflect on the historical significance of this sacred site.
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Islamic architecture, museum exhibits
3. Explore The Sheki Castle Complex
Photo: Sefer azeri / Wikimedia Commons
A visit to the Sheki Castle Complex offers a glimpse into the city’s defensive past. Built in the 15th century, this fortress once protected Sheki from invasions, with its high stone walls still standing strong today. Inside the complex, the Shebeke Workshop showcases the delicate craftsmanship behind traditional Azerbaijani stained-glass windows, while the Ethnography Museum houses relics from Sheki’s rich history. Walking along the fortress walls, visitors can appreciate the strategic placement of the castle and its role in protecting trade routes. The site provides an in-depth look into Sheki’s military and artistic heritage.
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Major Attractions: Shebeke Workshop, Ethnography Museum
4. Explore Sheki WWII Memorial And Viewpoint
Photo: Sefer azeri / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For those wondering what to do in Sheki, the WWII Memorial offers historical insight and stunning views. This monument honors Azerbaijani soldiers who served in the war, with stone plaques listing the names of those who sacrificed their lives. The site’s central monument stands as a symbol of remembrance, attracting visitors who wish to pay their respects. The short uphill trek to the memorial also leads to a vantage point overlooking Sheki’s historic districts. With its blend of history and scenery, this site is a meaningful stop for those exploring the city.
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Memorial site, city views
5. Peek Inside The Yeralti Underground Hammam
Photo: PhotoManiac85 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Yeralti Hammam provides a fascinating look at Sheki’s historical bathing culture. This underground structure, with its domed ceilings and stone chambers, was once a thriving social hub where people gathered for relaxation and conversation. The architecture ensures a warm, humid environment necessary for traditional Azerbaijani baths, preserving an ancient wellness practice. Although it no longer operates as a hammam, visitors can explore its layout, which includes steam chambers and bathing areas. The well-preserved structure serves as an educational site, illustrating the importance of communal baths in past societies.
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Major Attractions: Underground structure, historical baths
6. Take A Side Trip To The Church Of Kish
Photo: Asif Masimov / Wikimedia Commons
A short journey from Sheki leads to the Church of Kish, a historically significant landmark dating back to the Caucasian Albanian period. Its robust stone construction and ancient gravestones reveal centuries of religious and cultural history. Inside, a small museum displays artifacts discovered at the site, including pottery and relics from different civilizations. The architectural design showcases the craftsmanship of early Christian builders, reflecting influences from various historical periods. The site serves as a valuable destination for those interested in religious and architectural history.
Location: Kish, Azerbaijan
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Ancient church, museum exhibits
7. Visit The Lesser-Known Shekikhanovs Palace
Photo: Florstein / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shekikhanovs’ Palace offers an intimate glimpse into Sheki’s aristocratic history. This well-preserved noble residence provides insight into the architectural styles and lifestyle of Sheki’s elite. The interiors feature carved wooden ceilings, detailed frescoes, and period furnishings that highlight traditional Azerbaijani aesthetics. Unlike its larger counterpart, Sheki Khan’s Palace, this palace provides a quieter experience, allowing visitors to appreciate its craftsmanship without large crowds. Exploring its rooms offers a sense of how Sheki’s nobility lived centuries ago, making it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts.
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Major Attractions: Historical interiors, wooden craftsmanship
8. Explore The Old Streets Of Sheki
Photo: Golden / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sheki’s old streets invite visitors to wander through a town steeped in history. Lined with cobblestone paths and historic buildings, these streets preserve Sheki’s traditional charm. Local artisans sell handmade crafts, from textiles to pottery, while bakeries offer delicacies such as Sheki halva. The streets wind through residential areas, revealing beautifully preserved wooden balconies and courtyards. Exploring these lanes provides insight into the everyday life of Sheki’s residents while connecting visitors to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Historic streets, local markets
9. Find The Working Sheki Silk Factory
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
One of the essential things to see in Sheki is the Sheki Silk Factory, where the city’s long-standing silk production continues. Visitors can observe artisans weaving silk fabrics using traditional looms, a practice that has existed for centuries. The factory also highlights the historical importance of Sheki’s role along the Silk Road, explaining how its silk trade flourished. Guests can browse through an assortment of silk garments and accessories, making it a fascinating place to learn about this craft while supporting local artisans.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Major Attractions: Silk production, workshops
10. Photograph The Closed Lower Caravanserai
Photo: Matti Blume / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Lower Caravanserai stands as a reminder of Sheki’s historical role in trade. Though its doors are closed, the exterior remains a striking sight, featuring grand arched entryways and an expansive courtyard that once welcomed traveling merchants. This structure played a vital role during the Silk Road era, offering lodging for traders and their goods. Today, visitors come to capture its impressive façade, a symbol of Sheki’s economic history. The site remains an important landmark for those interested in Azerbaijan’s trade heritage.
Location: Sheki, Azerbaijan
Major Attractions: Historic architecture, photography site
Things to do in Sheki range from exploring historic palaces to visiting traditional craft centers. The city is known for its well-preserved architectural sites, including palaces and mosques that reflect Azerbaijan’s rich history. Visitors can also visit artisan workshops where skilled craftsmen create intricate designs using age-old techniques. Walking through Sheki’s old quarters provides a glimpse into its cultural legacy, with cobbled streets leading to centuries-old structures. Plan your visit with TripXL to uncover the diverse heritage of this remarkable destination.
Cover Photo: Franzfoto / Wikimedia Commons
