Also known as Sheki, this city of 68,000, beneath the forested slopes of the Greater Caucaus Mountains in the northwest just over four hours from Baku, was founded in the 8th century BCE and over the centuries became an important stop on the Silk Road trading routes, with additional prosperity coming from its own silk industry.
Shaki´s UNESCO World Heritage old town, though, dates back to the 18th century, rebuilt after much of its predecessor was largely destroyed by mudflows. Some key landmarks include the Silk Road Caravanserai, the ruins of the old castle, and the two-storey Palace of Shaki Khans (pictured here) with its richly decorated interiors. There are also a plethora of bazaars and workshops of craftsmen engaged in carpet weaving, metalwork, wood carving, and (still) silk production. Largely not touristy, and still very authentic.
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