The Ark Fortress stands on a raised mound in the old city of Bukhara, in Uzbekistan's Bukhara Region. Its address is Registan Square, so it sits within easy reach of the city's best-known historic centre. Also known as the Ark of Bukhara or Ark Citadel, it is one of the oldest landmarks in the city.
What you will find
The fortress dates from the 5th century and served as the residence of Bukhara's rulers for more than a thousand years. Its long history of use means that the site reads less as a single monument and more as a layered place, shaped by many generations of those who governed from within its walls.
Inside, the museums display artifacts from the emirate period, along with finds from archaeological work carried out on the site. For many visitors, these collections are the main reason to go, since they put the fortress's long role as a seat of power into concrete form.
Planning your visit
- Allow time for the museum displays as well as the walk around the grounds.
- Because the fortress is on Registan Square, you can combine it with the other historic sites nearby.
- If you need up-to-date details before travelling, the site can be reached by phone at +998 65 224 1050.
Whether you come for the ancient walls, the emirate-era collections or the archaeology, the Ark Fortress gives a clear sense of how central this site was to Bukhara's long history.
