Shaki is one of the majestic historic cities of Azerbaijan, located in the southern foothills
of the Greater Caucasus. A city with a centuries-old history, with unique architectural monu-
ments, delicious national cuisine definitely will not leave you indifferent.
Perhaps, eastern victualing-houses, the so-called caravanserais, where tired travellers
slept are one of the most interesting sights of Azerbaijan. Constructed from a solid stone in the
form of a fortress with one huge gate that could always be closed in case of danger, Shaki Cara-
vanserai makes an imposing impression. Walking on its block floor, touching the walls that re-
member thousands of fates, tragedies and stories, enjoying the atmosphere of comfort and
peace in a shaded courtyard closed on all sides, one can say with full confidence: Yes, now I
have experienced the real East.
The palace of Shaki Khans, the former residence of Shaki Khans, and now a monument
of history and culture of world significance was built in the XVIII century and belongs to one of
the best examples of palace architecture in the Caucasus and one of the pearls of the Islamic
East. The reason for this is the interior, decorated with stained glass windows from a multi-
coloured Venetian glass – Shebeke. It is also amazing that not a single nail or even glue drop
was used for its construction.
We will also have the opportunity to get acquainted with the Caucasian Albanian
Church of St. Elishe, located in the village of Kish. According to historical records, St. Elisha, a
disciple of the apostle Thaddeus, arrived in the first century in a place called Gis, where he built
a church and preached Christianity, and where he was martyred.
Shaki has always been famous for its sweets – Shaki halva and delicious dishes of hazelnut and
walnut. You will have the opportunity to taste all this in the shops that produce these legendary
foods for decades, as well as at the Sweets Festival, which is held here every summer.