Samarkand, Uzbekistan
About this attraction
The Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand is a testament to the scientific achievements of the medieval Islamic world. It was built in the 1420s by Ulugh Beg, the Timurid ruler and astronomer, and was one of the finest observatories of its time: the star catalogue compiled here stayed in use for centuries.
The main sight is the surviving underground section of the great meridian arc, the instrument used to measure the positions of the sun, moon and stars. The rest of the three-story building was destroyed after Ulugh Beg's death, and its remains were rediscovered by archaeologists in 1908.
A small museum on the site tells the story of Ulugh Beg and his astronomers. A visit offers a fascinating glimpse into Uzbekistan's intellectual heritage and is a must-see for astronomy enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
- Opening hours
- Two guides list 08:00-19:00 and a Japanese guide 08:00-18:00 with winter 09:00-17:00; none is official. Unverified: from kupi.com, tripomatic, 4travel, read 2026-11-11.
Location
Ulugh Beg Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
DirectionsNearby
Within 5 km, nearest first.
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