The gold-leaf madrasa and mosque on the north side of Registan Square, built 1646-1660.
The Tilya-Kori Madrasa forms the north side of Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and is the most richly decorated of the three. Built in 1646-1660 by the governor Yalangtush Bahodur, it combines a teaching courtyard with a Friday mosque, and its name means Gilded. The prayer hall under the blue dome is covered in gold leaf, with a dense pattern of painted and gilded plaster that creates an illusion of a much higher vault when seen from the floor. The courtyard is lined with two-storey student cells, now used as craft shops, and part of the building houses a small exhibition about the Registan's restoration, with historic photographs showing the state of the monuments before the 20th century. Entry is included in the Registan ticket. Visitors need 20-30 minutes inside. The golden interior is best seen in good daylight when the gilding glows; cover shoulders and knees, as this was a mosque.
| Admission | Included in the Registan ticket (about 65,000-100,000 UZS, ~$5.40-8.30) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, about 08:00-19:00 |
| Typical visit | 20-30 minutes |
| Best time | Late morning |
| Getting there | Part of Registan Square; taxi about 15,000-25,000 UZS (~$1.25-2) from the Afrosiyob station |
| Address | Tilya-Kori Madrasa, Registan Square, Samarkand 140100, Uzbekistan |
Location
Tilya-Kori Madrasa, Registan Square, Samarkand 140100, Uzbekistan
39.6556, 66.9759 View on map
Highlights
- Gold-leaf prayer hall under a blue dome
- Illusion of a high vault created by painted plaster
- Courtyard craft shops in former student cells
- Exhibition of historic photos of the Registan
Tips for visiting
- Entry is included in the Registan ticket; allow 20-30 minutes.
- Visit in daytime when light enters the prayer hall.
- Cover shoulders and knees.
- Look up at the dome from the centre of the prayer hall.
- Browse the courtyard shops after the interior to compare prices.
When to visit
Daytime, preferably late morning when light enters the hall.
Accessibility
The courtyard is level; entrance thresholds are low, and the prayer hall can be reached with assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Tilya-Kori?
The name means Gilded, for the gold leaf in the prayer hall.
Is a separate ticket needed?
No, it is included in the Registan ticket.
When was it built?
1646-1660.
Is the dome really tall?
No, the high vault is an optical illusion made with painted and gilded plaster.