The Khan Palace in Bakhchisaray is the pearl of the eastern architecture of the Crimea, and thousands of tourists come to see it every year. The palace was built as the residence of the rulers of the Crimean Khanate of the dynasty of Girey, presumably during the reign of Mengli-Girey I, at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. The city itself is almost the same age as the palace, as it began to be built around after its construction.
Experiencing the vicissitudes of the history of the Crimea, the khan's palace changed its location, was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. So, initially he was in the gorge of Atlama-Dere, but his valley soon became cramped for the noble family and the surrounding servants, so the complex was moved to the open bank of the Churuk-Su River. In 1736, Khan-Sarai suffered from a severe fire and was almost completely restored from the ashes.
The Bakhchsarai Khan Palace reflects the best traditions of Ottoman architecture and art of that period. It differs significantly from the pompous monumental residences of European rulers. Palace buildings are light, openwork, more like gazebos, surrounded by gardens, flower bushes and numerous fountains. The embodiment of paradise on earth in the concept of the Muslim people is the main idea that guided the architects who designed the palace.
The main elements of the palace complex
The entrance to the palace begins at the bridge over the Churu-Su. Khan-Saray is located on the left bank, while the right bank is occupied by the streets of Bakhchisaray. Passing through the bridge, you can see the northern entrance to the palace, there were once four of them, each of which came out to different directions of the world. It is a massive wooden gate, covered with wrought iron and decorated with a composition of two intertwined snakes. According to legend, the battle of snakes symbolizes the tragic fate of the Gireyev family, in honor of which the son of Mengli-Giray ordered to build a palace for the edification of his descendants. The gate leads to a stone paved courtyard, where it is now customary to collect sightseeing groups.
Above the gate stands the Watchtower, decorated with colored stained-glass windows and intricate oriental ornament. On both sides are the buildings of the Svitsky Corps. In the times of the Crimean Khanate, there lived numerous close khan. After the annexation of the Crimea to the Russian Empire, guests settled here. Today there is an interesting ethnographic exposition and the service of the administration of the museum complex.
Passing through a wide courtyard, which was absolutely empty during the Khan times, because it was here that the ruler gathered his troops for parting speeches, you can get to the gates in the Ambassador's courtyard. It is decorated with a fountain of carved stone and leads to the khan's corps, where ambassadors were received and the Divan was sitting, an advisory meeting, the governing body of the Crimean Khanate.
The entrance to the building is the oldest monument of palace architecture - Aleviz's portal was built in 1503. It represents an original combination of the ornaments of the Renaissance and the Oriental elements. Through the portal you can get to the chambers of the khan and the meeting room of the Divan.
Particular attention should be paid to the Fountain Court, which follows these gates. It is notable for the Golden Fountain and the Fountain of Tears immortalized in the work of A.S. Pushkin "Bakhchisarai Fountain".
Also of special historical and architectural interest are the Small Palace Mosque, the Summer Gazebo, the Golden Cabinet and the Harem Corps, from which there is now only a small outbuilding in three rooms, where elements of everyday life and many other buildings and buildings are preserved.
Khan's Palace in Bakhchisaray: address
The Khan's Palace is located in the city of Bakhchisaray at It is easy to get there from the ring from the Crimean capital of Simferopol, turn left after the appropriate sign, go to the Old Town, turn left again and in 2 minutes the palace will appear.
Bakhchisaray Khan Palace: working hours and ticket price
In the holiday season from June to October, the museum is open daily from 9 to 18. In May and October, it reduces its work time by an hour - to 17-00. From November to April, the palace accepts visitors from 9 to 16, weekend din - Tuesday and Wednesday.
As of January 1, 2013, the cost of entrance to the Khan Palace for adults is about 8 cu, for students - 3.5 cu. Additional exhibitions will cost another 12 cu. There is an opportunity to purchase the "Integrated ticket", which will allow you to visit the museum and all expositions at a discount - only $ 15.
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