About
Itchan Kala is the inner walled city of Khiva, in the Khorezm Region of Uzbekistan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, also listed as the Historic City of Khiva, and it contains a large number of historical monuments within its walls.
What to expect
The old town is best approached on foot. Its lanes wind between the walls, linking the monuments and the houses that stand among them. The site is a well-preserved example of medieval Central Asian architecture, so much of a visit is simply walking through the streets and taking in the buildings as you go.
Visitors interested in architecture will find plenty to look at. The monuments reflect the building traditions of the region, and the overall layout of the walled city gives a clear sense of how the place was organised.
Planning a visit
- Allow time to wander rather than only visiting a single monument.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the lanes are walked at a steady pace.
- For current information, you can call the site on +998 62 375 2527.
Because Itchan Kala sits within the wider city of Khiva, a trip here can be combined with time spent exploring the rest of the town and the surrounding Khorezm Region. For a visitor interested in heritage and historic architecture, the walled city offers a focused and rewarding stop in Uzbekistan.
