Remains of the 15th-century observatory of Ulugh Beg with the underground sextant trench and a small museum.
The Ulugh Beg Observatory stands on Chupan-Ata hill northeast of central Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Built in 1428-1429 by Timur's grandson, the ruler and astronomer Ulugh Beg, it was one of the great observatories of the medieval world. The main instrument was a giant meridian sextant with a radius of about 40 metres; its lower part, a deep curved trench lined with marble and marked with degrees, survives underground and was rediscovered in 1908 by the Russian archaeologist Vyatkin. Ulugh Beg and his team compiled the Zij-i Sultani star catalogue of 1,018 stars, accurate to a degree that astonished later astronomers. A small museum beside the trench shows reproductions of instruments, manuscripts and portraits. Visitors descend into the trench, read explanatory panels and view a model of the original three-storey building. A visit takes 40-60 minutes. The observatory is about 2 km from Shah-i-Zinda and the Afrosiyab Museum, so the three can be combined in one morning by taxi.
| Admission | About 35,000-75,000 UZS (~$2.90-6.25) for foreign visitors |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, about 09:00-17:00 (check seasonal hours) |
| Typical visit | 40-60 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday morning |
| Getting there | Taxi about 12,000-18,000 UZS (~$1-1.50) from the Registan; 5-10 minute ride from Shah-i-Zinda |
| Address | Ulugbek Observatory, Ulugbek Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
Location
Ulugbek Observatory, Ulugbek Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
39.6752, 67.0055 View on map
Highlights
- Surviving trench of the 40-metre meridian sextant
- Zij-i Sultani star catalogue of 1,018 stars (1437)
- Rediscovered in 1908 by Vyatkin
- Small museum with instrument models
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Shah-i-Zinda and the Afrosiyab Museum (a few minutes apart by taxi).
- Read the panel texts or hire a licensed guide at the gate for context on the star catalogue.
- Allow 40-60 minutes.
- Steps lead down into the trench; wear non-slip shoes.
- Buy tickets at the counter; keep cash in som.
When to visit
Weekday morning; spring and autumn.
Accessibility
A paved path leads from the entrance; the trench is reached by steps, so wheelchair users cannot descend, though the museum and viewing area are accessible with assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
What can visitors see at the observatory?
The remains of the sextant trench, a museum with models and manuscripts, and displays about Ulugh Beg's star catalogue.
How much is the ticket?
Typically about 35,000-75,000 UZS (~$2.90-6.25) for foreign visitors.
When was it built?
1428-1429.
How long does a visit take?
40 to 60 minutes.