Sheki, nestled at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in northwestern Azerbaijan, is one of the country’s most picturesque and culturally rich towns. With cobbled streets, red-tiled rooftops, artisan traditions, and a history stretching back thousands of years, Sheki feels like a living postcard from the Silk Road. Once a vital trading post between East and West, today it’s a peaceful, welcoming town where time moves slower, the food is richer, and the craftsmanship runs deep.
The heart of Sheki lies in its beautifully preserved architecture. Stone houses with wooden balconies line the hillside, opening to narrow lanes filled with local life—markets, bakeries, teahouses, and workshops. But the town’s crown jewel is the Sheki Khan’s Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece of wood, glass, and color. From the outside, the palace is modest in size, but inside it’s a kaleidoscope of stained-glass windows, hand-painted walls, intricate patterns, and carved wooden details. Every room tells a story, and the palace remains one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the region.
Sheki is more than just its buildings—it’s the spirit of its artisans. This is a town where people still weave silk by hand, make shebeke (wood-and-glass latticework) without nails or glue, and bake halva using recipes passed down for generations. Walk into a small workshop and you’ll likely be greeted with a smile, a sample, and a story. The town has been a center of craftsmanship for centuries, and many traditions are still practiced today with the same care and pride.
One of the highlights of a trip to Sheki is simply slowing down. Sit in a traditional teahouse with a pot of black tea, a plate of sweets, and a view of the mountains. Wander through the covered bazaar where carpets, copperware, dried fruits, and silk scarves line the stalls. Visit the Sheki History Museum for a look at ancient artifacts and local legends. The town invites you to rest, not rush.
The food in Sheki is distinct from what you’ll find in Baku. Here, flavors are heartier, influenced by mountain life and regional ingredients. Try piti, a slow-cooked lamb stew served in a clay pot with chickpeas, chestnuts, and saffron. Break the bread into the bowl, mix everything gently, and enjoy it the way locals have for centuries. Round it off with Sheki pakhlava or halva, both rich in nuts and tradition, and unique to this part of Azerbaijan.
Just outside Sheki are green valleys, chestnut forests, and traditional mountain villages. One of the most popular excursions is to Kish, home to the Church of Saint Eliseus—often considered the oldest Christian church in the Caucasus. Surrounded by nature and quiet, it’s a place that adds depth to any Sheki visit.
Sheki is also known for its hospitality. Guesthouses are often run by families who serve homemade breakfasts and help plan your time in the region. It’s not unusual to be invited in for tea or offered help by a stranger in the street. The pace here allows for conversations, for unplanned detours, and for real connections.
Getting to Sheki is easier than ever. It’s a 4- to 5-hour drive from Baku through changing landscapes—from desert plains to green hills. Along the way, you can stop in Shamakhi or Lahij for scenic breaks. Once in Sheki, you won’t need much transport—the town is compact and best enjoyed on foot.
With Viewpoint Horizons, a journey to Sheki becomes a full cultural experience. We connect you with local guides, artisans, and experiences that reveal the true heart of the town—whether that’s a silk workshop, a mountaintop church, or a quiet walk through the bazaar at sunset. Sheki isn’t loud or fast. It’s warm, grounded, and rich with memory. It’s a place to pause, to taste, to learn—and to carry home something more than souvenirs: a sense of peace and story that stays with you long after you leave.
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