The Eternal City: A Modern Ode to Ancient Samarkand
Experience the spirit of ancient Samarkand in this modern recreation of a Silk Road city, showcasing Uzbekistan's rich culture and traditions.
The Eternal City, located within the Silk Road Samarkand resort, is a captivating recreation of an ancient Silk Road city, designed by Uzbek artist Bobur Ismoilov and opened in 2017 [12, 11]. Spanning 17 hectares, this complex offers visitors an immersive experience into the history, traditions, and crafts of Uzbekistan [13, 14]. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with artisan workshops, where you can witness the creation of traditional crafts like woodcarving, ceramics, papermaking, and jewelry [11]. The architecture reflects the diverse regional styles of Uzbekistan, with pavilions inspired by historic buildings from Samarkand, Bukhara, Fergana, Tashkent, Khorezm, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, and Karakalpakstan [13]. Visitors can explore streets dedicated to different regions, such as Fergana Street, known for its weaving goods and regional cuisine, and areas showcasing the art and architecture of Bukhara and Khiva [13]. The central street, named Samarkand, features a triumphal arch and leads to attractions like the National Library and a puppet theater [13, 11]. Authentic street performances and opportunities to taste national dishes from various eras and regions enhance the experience [11, 14]. The Siyob Restaurant, with its Zoroastrian-inspired design, offers a themed dining experience with traditional Uzbek cuisine [13]. The Eternal City hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including festivals and symposiums dedicated to applied arts, ceramics, and national costumes [13]. It serves as a living museum, celebrating Uzbekistan's Silk Road legacy and offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich heritage [13, 6].
Local tips
- Visit during the cooler months (spring or fall) to avoid the intense summer heat and enjoy comfortable exploration [6].
- Engage with local artisans in the workshops to learn about traditional crafts and perhaps even try your hand at creating something [11].
- Catch a street performance or cultural event to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Eternal City [11, 13].
- Sample traditional Uzbek dishes at the Siyob Restaurant or other eateries within the complex to savor the local flavors [13, 14].
- Explore the different regional streets to appreciate the diverse architectural styles and cultural nuances of Uzbekistan [13].
A brief summary to The eternal City
- M336+H96 гребной канал, Samarkand, Samarqand Region, 140100, UZ
- +998557055555
Getting There
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Taxi
From central Samarkand, including locations like Registan Square or Amir Timur Mausoleum, a taxi is a convenient way to reach the Eternal City, located within the Silk Road Samarkand resort. A typical taxi ride should cost around 15,000 to 25,000 UZS, depending on the distance and traffic. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey [7].
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Public Transport
While Samarkand's public transport isn't extensive, buses and shared taxis (marshrutkas) can get you closer to the Silk Road Samarkand resort [3, 5]. From the city center, look for buses heading towards the rowing canal area. The fare for a bus or shared taxi is around 1,000-2,000 UZS. From the bus stop, you may need to walk a short distance or take a taxi for the final approach [3].
