The watchtower of the Khuna Ark, the fortress and residence of the rulers of Khiva, in Uzbekistan.

© NICOLA MESSANA PHOTOS/Shutterstock

Watchtower

Khiva


At the back right corner of the throne room in the Kuhna Ark, a door in the wall leads to a flight of steps up to the watchtower, the original part of the Ark, set right against the Ichon-Qala’s massive west wall. It's well worth paying the fee to climb up here – the city views are extraordinary, especially at sunset.