Last updated: June 2026
The Nurullaboy Palace was a visit I made because I wanted to see a different side of Khiva, beyond the walled city. It sits outside Ichan Kala and reveals a less touristy part of the city's history: it's a palace from the early 20th century that blends traditional architecture with a clear European influence, something rare in the context of Khiva.
It's not in the heart of the old city, but if you have time, it's worth including for the contrast. Let me tell you what I thought.
Quick facts
- Visit time: 30–45 minutes
- Location: Khiva (outside Ichan Kala)
- Best time: morning or late afternoon
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: ~50,000 UZS (~$4) when I visited; check the current price
What is the Nurullaboy Palace
The Nurullaboy Palace is a palace complex built during the final period of the Khanate of Khiva, when the region was already under the influence of the Russian Empire.
Unlike the traditional buildings of the walled city, the palace presents a mix of architectural styles, combining local elements with European design, a rarity in the context of Khiva.
Is the Nurullaboy Palace worth visiting?
In my opinion, yes, mainly for the contrast. After walking through Ichan Kala, with walls, madrassas, minarets and Islamic architecture, arriving at a palace with European influence is quite a shift. That's what struck me most: it shows another side of Khiva, the final phase of the city's history. And since it's far less busy than the sights within the walls, the visit is more relaxed.
How to get to the Nurullaboy Palace
The palace is outside the walls of the historic city. You can walk there from Ichan Kala, which is what I did, or take a taxi, depending on where you are.
How the visit works
Entry is paid and the visit is done walking through the different interior rooms. The route lets you observe decorated halls, areas used by the court and the details of the hybrid architecture, which is the big draw of the place.
What to see at the Nurullaboy Palace
During the visit, you can explore:
- Decorated halls, rooms with historic furniture and period details
- Inner palace areas, spaces used by the rulers and their court
- Hybrid architecture, a mix of Islamic elements with European influences, the most interesting point
How long to spend
The visit takes on average 30 to 45 minutes. Since it's outside the walls, it's worth planning the trip to fit the visit efficiently into your itinerary, at the start or end of the day.
What to expect from the experience
The palace is far less busy than the sights within Ichan Kala, which makes the visit more relaxed. For me, the greater interest lies precisely in the contrast with the traditional architecture of Khiva: seeing the two styles on the same itinerary really enriches your understanding of the local history.
Practical tips
- Combine the visit with the start or end of your Khiva itinerary
- Include it if you have time after exploring Ichan Kala at a relaxed pace
- Factor in the trip to the site when planning, since it's outside the walls