Shaki Caravanserai
The Caravanserai is a historical monument in Sheki, Azerbaijan. A part of building is now used as a hotel. Historical information
Swift development of trade in the Middle Ages enhanced the importance of caravanserais in the territory of Azerbaijan, favoring the construction of new ones. Generally, caravanserais were built in form of fortified structures with a single gate. During dangerous incidents the gate could be closed, rendering the building impregnable. The “Caravanserai” historical complex in Sheki consists of two magnificent caravanserais, traditionally named “Yukhary” and “Ashaghy” caravanserais, which in Azerbaijani signify the "Upper" and "Lower" Caravanserai, respectively. Construction of these caravanserais is dated to the 18th–19th centuries AD. Lower caravanserai

The "Lower" caravanserai has a rectangular shape with a large inner courtyard, in the centre of which is a pool. The total area of the caravanserai is  and its dimensions are . Four entrances lead to the yard from the four corners of the building. There are 242 rooms. Historically, there were merchant shops and storage rooms in the coaching inn, but the first floor was intended for guests to whom the rooms were leased. Each room had a hole which was connected to the ground floor with a stepladder, which made it easier for merchants the monitor the security of their goods. Since 1988, the lower caravanserai is used as a hotel complex for tourists, guests of the city and local residents. There is a restaurant of national cuisine that seats 100 guests. There are luxury suits in compliance with international standards in the hotel. Upper caravanserai

The "Upper" caravanserai is located on more uneven terrain as the Gurjan River runs nearby. It has a trapezoidal floor plan with a total area of . The front façade of the building overlooks the street and has a height of , but the inner façade is  tall. There are about 300 rooms and store rooms in the upper part of the caravanserai. Unlike the lower caravanserai, the upper caravanserai isn't used as a hotel. It attracts tourists as a historical and architectural monument and local sightseeing. References

External links 
 Detailed recordings from the caravanserai

Caravanserais in Azerbaijan
19th-century establishments in Azerbaijan
Silk Road
Monuments and memorials in Azerbaijan
Tourist attractions in Azerbaijan
Hotels in Azerbaijan