Registan Square

Overview

Registan Square is enclosed by three buildings: the Ulugh Beg Madrasa of the 15th century and the Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori madrasas of the 17th. Their facades are clad in blue, turquoise and yellow glazed tile forming geometric and floral patterns, with soaring domes and minarets. Lighting illuminates the facades at night and light shows are often staged. It was inscribed with Samarkand on the World Heritage List in 2001.

History

It became Samarkand's scholarly and commercial centre under the Timurids, where Ulugh Beg founded his academy; two more madrasas were added in the 17th century to form today's layout.

Highlights

• •The Ulugh Beg Madrasa
• •The lion reliefs of the Sher-Dor Madrasa
• •The gilded interior of the Tilya-Kori Madrasa
• •The evening light show

Practical tips

• •Each madrasa needs its own ticket
• •The square photographs best once the evening lights come on

Practical information

Best time

April-May, September-October

Tickets

Around UZS 40,000 per madrasa

Opening hours

8:00-19:00

Local food

Plov, non bread, baked samsa

Getting around

In central Samarkand, easy on foot or by taxi.

Visa

Visa-free for stays up to 30 days with a valid passport.

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