Sheki Khan's Palace: the Jewel of UNESCO World Heritage in Azerbaijan
In the northwest of Azerbaijan, nestled against the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, the city of Sheki holds one of the most extraordinary architectural treasures in the entire region: the Khan's Palace. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, this 18th-century summer palace captivates every visitor with its matchless leaded stained-glass windows (shebeke), its vivid frescoes and the delicacy of its carved woodwork.
History of Sheki Khan's Palace
The palace was built between 1761 and 1762 on the orders of Hussein Khan Mushtad, ruler of the Khanate of Sheki, as a summer residence. What makes the work extraordinary is that local craftsmen completed the entire stained-glass facade without using a single nail: the coloured glass pieces fit into a wooden frame through a traditional assembly system known as shebeke.
What to See Inside the Palace
The Medieval Frescoes
The walls and ceilings of the palace are covered with frescoes depicting hunting scenes, battles and floral motifs, executed with a colour palette that has survived centuries with astonishing vibrancy. They are a unique window into the 18th-century Azerbaijani court art.
The Throne Room
At the heart of the palace, the Throne Room impresses with its ceiling adorned with geometric latticework and its balcony from which the khan received audiences overlooking the gardens and the mountains of the Caucasus.
The Shebeke Stained-Glass Windows
The 5,000 coloured glass pieces that make up the stained-glass windows of the main facade are the most admired element of the palace. Each piece was cut by hand and assembled without adhesives — an art mastered by only a handful of craftspeople in the world.
How to Visit Sheki Khan's Palace
The palace is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday. Admission costs approximately 2 AZN (less than €1.50). Sheki is about 5 hours by car or bus from Baku, and the scenic route through the Caucasus is worth the journey on its own. If you travel with Destino Cáucaso, we can include Sheki in your northern Azerbaijan itinerary alongside the Tufandag mountain resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does entry to Sheki Khan's Palace cost?
General admission costs around 2 AZN (approximately €1.20). Discounts are available for students and children. Prices may vary, so it is worth checking at the ticket office on the day of your visit.
Why is Sheki Khan's Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2019 as part of the historic ensemble of Sheki, recognising in particular the unique craft technique of the shebeke stained-glass windows, the frescoes and the palatial architecture of the Azerbaijani khanates.
How do you get to Sheki from Baku?
There are direct buses from Baku International Bus Station with a journey time of approximately 5–6 hours. You can also rent a car or book an organised tour that combines Sheki with the Gabala region.