Shakhrisabz, Qashqadaryo, Central Asia, Uzbekistan
Palace Ruins · Timurid · 14th Century
Ak-Saray (White Palace) was a massive palace built by Timur in his hometown of Shakhrisabz. Although only the ruins of the gigantic entrance pylons remain, they give a sense of the immense scale and grandeur of the original structure. The tilework is considered some of the finest in the Timurid world.
Construction: 1380 – 1404
Founder: Timur
Key figures: Timur
Significance: Timur's grandest summer palace, intended to be unrivaled in the world.
- 1380: Construction started
- 16th Century: Destroyed by Abdullah Khan II
Architectural styles: Timurid
Materials: Brick, Mosaic, Gold
- Entrance Pylons: Ruins of the massive 65m high entrance gate.
- Mosaics: Exquisite dark blue and gold tilework.
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00 (summer) · 09:00 - 17:00 (winter) – Open park.
- General: €2.00
Accessibility: Accessible.
Official site: http://uzbekistan.travel
Address: Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan
Coordinates: 39.0594, 66.8294