What To See In Sheki: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Nestled at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s most enchanting towns. With its grand khan’s palace, Silk Road heritage, ancient churches, and warm mountain hospitality, Sheki offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The crown jewel of Sheki and one of the most beautiful architectural treasures in the Caucasus. This elegant 18th-century palace is renowned for its extraordinary shebeke windows — colourful stained glass assembled without any nails or glue. The interior is covered with intricate murals, geometric patterns, and masterful woodwork that showcase the pinnacle of Caucasian artistry.
Built in 1762 by Khan Hussein as his summer residence. The palace was constructed using only wood, river stones, and egg-based mortar. It has survived many earthquakes due to its flexible design and is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.
- World-famous shebeke stained-glass windows
- Detailed wall paintings and ceiling art
- Peaceful garden courtyard
- Small but informative museum
This magnificent 18th-century caravanserai is one of the largest and best-preserved Silk Road inns in Azerbaijan. Built to shelter merchants and their caravans, it features a large central courtyard with a fountain, arched galleries, and traditional wooden balconies. Today it operates as a charming hotel and restaurant.
Constructed during the Sheki Khanate period. It could accommodate up to 200 merchants and 100 horses at one time, underlining Sheki’s strategic importance on the Great Silk Road.
- Beautiful open courtyard with fountain
- Traditional wooden architecture
- Excellent restaurant serving local dishes
- Authentic historical atmosphere
Sheki has been a major centre of silk production for centuries. This historic factory still produces silk using traditional methods and offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the entire process from cocoon to finished fabric. The attached museum explains the rich history of silk in the region.
Silk production in Sheki dates back over 500 years. The town was famous across the Middle East and Europe for its high-quality silk and beautiful kelaghayi scarves.
- Live silk production demonstration
- Traditional weaving workshops
- Beautiful kelaghayi scarves for sale
- Small silk history museum
Located in the peaceful village of Kish, just 5 km from Sheki, this ancient church is one of the oldest Christian structures in the Caucasus. Set in a tranquil forested area beside a river, it offers a spiritual and historical escape from the town centre.
Believed to date back to the 1st–4th century AD, it is linked to early Caucasian Albanian Christianity. The site has been studied by archaeologists for decades.
- Ancient stone architecture
- Peaceful forest and river setting
- Small on-site museum
- Beautiful surrounding nature
Sheki is surrounded by the beautiful foothills of the Greater Caucasus. The viewpoints and hiking trails offer stunning panoramic views of the town, valleys, and snow-capped peaks. The area is ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
- Panoramic viewpoints above the town
- Easy to moderate hiking trails
- Beautiful forests and rivers
- Wildflower meadows in spring
A vibrant and colourful market where locals sell fresh produce, spices, traditional sweets, handmade crafts, and famous Sheki halva. It is a great place to experience local life and buy authentic souvenirs.
- Fresh local fruits and vegetables
- Sheki halva workshops
- Handmade copperware and kelaghayi scarves
- Local honey and walnuts
Sheki is famous for its unique culinary traditions. signature dishes like piti (lamb stew cooked in clay pots), Sheki halva, and various types of qutab are must-try experiences. Many homestays and restaurants offer cooking classes.


