Itchan Kala
About This Museum
Itchan Kala isn't so much a museum you enter as a city you step into, a sun-baked fortress of mud-brick walls rising from the Khorezm desert. Within its towering, crenellated ramparts lies a perfectly preserved Silk Road town, where dusty lanes are flanked by turquoise-tiled mosques and labyrinthine alleyways. It feels less like an exhibit and more like a living, breathing relic where time has simply decided to stand still. The entire inner city is the collection, a sprawling open-air museum that whispers tales of caravans, khans, and ancient trade.
Collection Highlights
You can't miss the stunning Kalta Minor minaret, cloaked in dazzling green and blue tiles—a massive structure that was meant to be even taller. The Djuma Mosque feels otherworldly with its forest of over 200 intricately carved wooden columns holding up the roof. Then there's the Kuhna Ark, the old royal fortress, and the Tash-Khauli Palace, a khans' residence often described as an 'oriental fairy tale' with its courtyards and exquisite ceramic mosaics.
Visitor Information
Wear comfortable shoes because you'll be walking on ancient cobblestones for hours; the heat can be intense, so an early morning visit is a smart move. The magic really comes alive when you wander without a strict plan, getting lost in the shadows of the narrow streets and stumbling upon small workshops where artisans still practice centuries-old crafts.
Architecture & Building
The architecture is pure Khorezm style—imposing, earth-colored defensive walls made of packed clay (pakhsa) enclose a dense maze of structures built from mud-brick. The skyline is punctuated by majestic portals (iwans), domes, and the iconic minarets all shimmering with incredibly detailed faience mosaics in shades of azure and turquoise.
Contact & Location
Address: Ichan-Qala, Palvon Mahmud ko'chasi, Xiva, Xiva Tumani, Xorazm Viloyati, 220900, Oʻzbekiston
Phone: +998 62 377 63 40
Website: Visit Website
