The historical city of Shaki is located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains along important historical trade routes. The Gorgana River passes through it to form a natural boundary that divides the city into two parts. The northern part, which is the oldest, is located on the mountain, while the southern part extends into the river valley. The Khan Palace is located in the northeast of the city.
The historic city center features a traditional architecture of high-roofed, trussed houses. The city is marked by its architectural elements inspired by the construction traditions of the Safavid, Qadri and Russian periods. The Palace of Shaki Khans which was the summer residence of the Shaki dynasty in
Azerbaijan was built between 1761 and 1762 by Hussein Khan Mushtaq. Astonishingly, it was constructed without a single nail. This palace is the only remaining building of a grandiose complex inside a majestic castle, which included residences for the Khan family, and their servants and employees. The palace is characterized by distinctive tiles, as well as many fountains, stained glass and exquisitely decorated windows.
The beauty of the ornaments and decorations of the palace is a testimony to the abundance and wealth created thanks to the city’s specialty in the culture of silkworms and the commerce of cocoons. To accommodate silkworm breeding, the houses were built with spacious attics. The city of Shaki was a major stop on the silk road.
