Across the street from Ishratkhana Mausoleum is the blue-domed Hoja Abdi Darun Mausoleum, which shares a tranquil, shady courtyard with a mosque and a charming hauz (artificial stone pool). It's a timeless site, far from the tourist chatter.
Hoja Abdi Darun Mausoleum
Samarkand
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.24 MILES
This ensemble of majestic, tilting medressas – a near-overload of majolica, azure mosaics and vast, well-proportioned spaces – is the centrepiece of the…
1.29 MILES
The beautiful portal and trademark fluted azure dome of the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum marks the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), along with two sons…
1.43 MILES
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1.44 MILES
The enormous congregational Bibi-Khanym Mosque, northeast of the Registan, was financed from the spoils of Timur's invasion of India and must have been…
1.3 MILES
On the northern side of the Registan is the Tilla-Kari (Gold-Covered) Medressa, completed in 1660, with a pleasant, gardenlike courtyard. The highlight…
1.27 MILES
The Ulugbek Medressa, on the western side of the Registan, is the square's original medressa, finished in 1420 under Ulugbek who is said to have taught…
1.23 MILES
The entrance portal of the Registan's Sher Dor (Lion) Medressa, opposite the Ulugbek Medressa and finished in 1636, is decorated with roaring felines that…
1.9 MILES
The Afrosiab Museum was built around one of Samarkand’s more important archaeological finds, a chipped 7th-century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhuman (r…
Nearby Samarkand attractions
0.07 MILES
If you prefer your ruins really ruined, it’s worth the slog out to the crumbling 15th-century Ishratkhana Mausoleum, newly topped by a tin roof. With a…
0.9 MILES
The lovely Hoja-Nisbatdor Mosque, a 15 minutes' walk south of the Registan, has a large aivan embraced by walls inlaid with beautifully restored ghanch …
3. Mausoleum of Abu Mansur al-Moturudiy
0.92 MILES
Deep in the lanes of the Old Town is the surprisingly impressive new Mausoleum of Abu Mansur al-Moturudiy. The entry fee is over the top; you can see it…
0.99 MILES
The small, 19th-century Imon Mosque has an open porch, tall carved columns and a brightly restored ceiling. Respectfully dressed visitors are always…
1.16 MILES
This restored Old Town gem is 100m east of the Registan. If it's locked ask the caretaker to let you in for a glimpse at the lush ceiling tilework.
1.17 MILES
Hidden in the Old Town on unmarked Denau is this working 19th-century synagogue, built in 1891 for Samarkand's Jewish community. The atmospheric hall has…
1.23 MILES
The entrance portal of the Registan's Sher Dor (Lion) Medressa, opposite the Ulugbek Medressa and finished in 1636, is decorated with roaring felines that…
1.24 MILES
This ensemble of majestic, tilting medressas – a near-overload of majolica, azure mosaics and vast, well-proportioned spaces – is the centrepiece of the…