Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble
Old Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Lyabi-Hauz brings Bukhara’s public life and monumental buildings together around a pond. Kukeldash Madrasah, the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and its neighbouring khanaka frame the area, while cafés make it an easy place to stop between walks. Look closely at the gateways before settling down with tea. The square works especially well as an introduction to the old city, with the Nasriddin statue adding a lighter note to the architecture.