Lower Caravanserai: Echoes of the Silk Road

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Step back in time at Sheki's Lower Caravanserai, a Silk Road haven of history, architecture, and culture, offering a unique glimpse into Azerbaijan's past.

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Lower Caravanserai

The Lower Caravanserai in Sheki, Azerbaijan, is a historical monument from the 17th-18th centuries that once served as a vital lodging and trading post along the Silk Road. Today, this expansive complex offers a glimpse into a bygone era of bustling commerce and cultural exchange.

A brief summary to Lower Caravanserai

652R+7H2, Sheki, AZ

Local tips

Explore the inner courtyard to imagine the bustling trade that once occurred here.
Visit the caravanserai in spring or fall for pleasant weather.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Sheki Khan's Palace.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Karvansaray

Karvansaray: A Silk Road Haven in Sheki

Upper Caravanserai

Upper Caravanserai: A Silk Road Haven in Sheki

Shakikhanovs' Palace

Shakikhanovs' Palace: A Window into Sheki's Aristocratic Past

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Sheki, such as the Juma Mosque, the Lower Caravanserai is easily accessible on foot. Head northeast, following the main road; the walk is relatively flat and takes about 15-20 minutes. There are no entrance fees for exploring the public areas.
Public Transport

Local buses (marshrutkas) operate within Sheki. Look for buses with signs indicating they pass through the city center and towards 'Karvansaray'. The fare is approximately 0.30 AZN. Get off near the caravanserai, and walk a short distance to the entrance.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis are readily available throughout Sheki. A ride from most central locations (e.g., Sheki Bus Station, Sheki Khan's Palace) to the Lower Caravanserai should cost approximately 2-4 AZN. Hailing a taxi on the street is common. Specify 'Ashaghy Karvansara' to the driver. Ride-sharing apps are not as common.

Discover more about Lower Caravanserai

The Lower Caravanserai, also known as Ashaghy Caravanserai, stands as a testament to Sheki's pivotal role on the historic Silk Road. Constructed in the 17th-18th centuries, this impressive structure provided a haven for merchants, travelers, and their caravans traversing between East and West. The caravanserai's architecture reflects a blend of Azerbaijani, Persian, and Ottoman influences, showcasing the region's cultural fusion. The complex features a large inner courtyard, around which numerous rooms and chambers are arranged. These rooms served as lodging for merchants and travelers, storage for goods, and stables for animals. The design emphasized security, with imposing walls and fortified gates. When the gates were closed, the caravanserai turned into an inaccessible fortress. With a total area of 8,000 square meters, the Lower Caravanserai has 242 rooms. Historically, the caravanserai included merchant shops and storage rooms, while the first floor was for guests. Each room had a hole connected to the ground floor with a stepladder, allowing merchants to monitor their goods. Since 1988, the Lower Caravanserai has been used as a hotel complex for tourists, offering a restaurant with national cuisine. Restoration work was done in 2010 to restore the roof, gates, windows and doors. Located near other landmarks like the Sheki Khan's Palace, the Lower Caravanserai offers a comprehensive look into Sheki's cultural heritage.