8 Architectural Marvels in Central Asia to See from the Golden Eagle

The Silk Road in Central Asia might have been a thriving trade route centuries ago, but today, it’s still a treasure trove of beautiful, ornate buildings, from mosques to palaces. Traversing the region of what is known as the five “Stans”—namely Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan—is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of civilisations past.

One way to explore as much of the area as possible is by hopping on the luxurious Golden Eagle. On this lavish, ultra-comfortable rail, you can visit many of the cities once integral to the Silk Road and home to breathtaking, architecturally stunning remnants of the past.

Unsure what to see while traversing Central Asia aboard the Golden Eagle? Here are eight architectural marvels you shouldn't miss.

Samarkand (Uzbekistan)

When you talk of the glorious, intricate architecture of Central Asia and the Silk Road, no landmark comes to mind faster than Samarkand. This ancient city, abundant in beautiful buildings with ornate blue tiles and Islamic art, was founded in the 6th century and became one of the most significant cities in the region’s history, thanks to its strategic position along the Silk Road.

Registan Square boasts an array of breathtaking buildings. Among them is the stunning Bibi-Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, renowned for its distinctive blue dome and intricate tiles. This mosque stands alongside other iconic mosques, such as Türkiye's Blue Mosque and Egypt's Muhammad Ali Mosque. While in the area, don't miss the vibrant Shah I Zinda Necropolis and the historic Observatory of Ulugbek.

Zenkov Cathedral (Almaty, Kazakhstan)

Another must-see for your Central Asia sightseeing adventure is Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, in Almaty. This Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1904, is famously constructed entirely of wood without nails—said to avoid the brutal reminder of Jesus’ crucifixion.

During the Soviet era, the cathedral was repurposed as a museum, but in the 1990s, it was fully restored as a church. Today, it dazzles with vibrant colours and striking, ornate murals on its onion domes, creating a stunning contrast against the lush greenery of Panfilov Park.

Kokhi Navruz (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)

Central Asia boasts modern architectural marvels like Kokhi Navruz (also known as Navruz Palace) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Renowned for its elaborate, opulent architecture blended with traditional Tajik elements, it was initially envisioned as the largest teahouse in the world. However, upon completion of the 40,000-square-metre complex, its grander purpose became evident.

Navruz Palace serves as a cultural centre, hosting performances, art exhibits, and significant national events. The palace features a shopping mall, pool hall, cinema and even a man-made lake. Notable areas include the Zarandud Hall, adorned with 24k gold, and the Didor Hall, showcasing intricate kundal-style art.

Hazrati Imam Complex (Tashkent, Uzbekistan)

The Hazrati Imam Complex is an iconic Islamic site that stands as a testament to the region’s rich religious and architectural heritage. This historic complex, revered for its grandeur and spiritual significance, is home to several remarkable structures that draw visitors and pilgrims alike.

At its centre is the Hazrati Imam Mosque, an impressive structure featuring intricate Islamic architecture with a vast courtyard and stunning minarets. The mosque offers not only a place of worship but also a serene space for reflection. Another attraction within the complex is the Moʻyi Muborak Madrasa, a theological school that houses one of the world’s oldest and most revered copies of the Quran—the Quran Mushaf.

The complex also includes the Qaffol Shoshi Mausoleum, the resting place of Hazrati Imam, an esteemed Islamic scholar. This sacred mausoleum pays tribute to his enduring legacy, making the site a deeply spiritual destination for visitors seeking to connect with Uzbekistan’s rich Islamic history.

Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque (Ashgabat, Turkmenistan)

Another grand yet controversial mosque in Ashgabat is the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque. This architectural wonder is renowned for its pristine white walls, gleaming golden domes, and towering minarets.

There are several reasons why this building is incredibly controversial. First, it serves as the final resting place of Saparmurat Niyazov, a former dictator of Turkmenistan during the 1990s. The mosque's walls also feature passages from the Quran and the Ruhnama, a spiritual guidebook penned by Niyazov himself. This inclusion has sparked disapproval among many Muslims, who believe the Ruhnama should not be placed on the same level as the Quran.

Interestingly, the mosque's four minarets stand at an impressive height of 91 metres, a deliberate design choice to symbolise the year 1991, marking Turkmenistan's independence. This blend of religious, cultural, and political symbolism makes the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque a fascinating yet contentious landmark in the heart of Ashgabat.

Itchan Kala (Khiva, Uzbekistan)

Itchan Kala is a walled town and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the historic city of Khiva. Inside, you’ll see a plethora of architectural wonders and monuments from the 18th and 19th centuries, from old homes to huge palaces.

When you visit the area, make sure to stop by Tash-Khauli Palace, a stone palace with a vast courtyard. Juma Mosque is a building held up by hundreds of wooden columns neatly lined up in rows inside. There is also the Olloqulixon Madrasa (Alla Kouli Khan Madrasa), one of the most prominent educational institutions in the region in the 19th century.

Ancient Burana Tower (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)

Lastly, let's turn our attention to Kyrgyzstan’s historic Burana Tower, an imposing red-brick tower that stands 25 metres tall and dates back to the 11th century.

Originally constructed as a "model" minaret to inspire the design of other castles and mausoleums in the region, the Burana Tower is considered one of the oldest surviving structures in Central Asia.

It is located within a fascinating archaeological site in the Chüy Valley, a region rich in history and cultural artefacts. Visitors can explore not only the Burana Tower itself but also the surrounding area, which features stone grave markers known as balbals, believed to represent fallen warriors, and the remnants of an ancient church.

Inside the tower, a narrow, winding staircase leads to the top, offering breathtaking views of Kyrgyzstan's stunning mountainous landscape. The Burana Tower stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Central Asia, making it a must-see for any traveller keen on exploring the region's historical depth and scenic beauty.

This Rail Journey Will Be Your Ticket to an Unforgettable Silk Road Experience

From mosques made of beautiful turquoise tiles in Samarkand to majestic cathedrals made entirely of wood in Kazakhstan, there are plenty of architectural wonders to see in Central Asia. Golden Eagle will be your partner in discovering the architectural legacy of the Silk Road and this part of the world. Your journey traversing these sights steeped in history and culture from centuries past is only a luxury train ride away!

Discovering the world by rail lets you pack as many sights and cities as possible into your itinerary. Check out all the Rail Journeys Entire Travel Group can take you on and go on your dream adventure today!