St. John the Baptist Church, Samarkand

St. John the Baptist Church is a Gothic Revival church in Samarkand featuring pointed arches, elongated windows, and decorative patterns from the early 20th century. The building displays the European architectural style brought by Polish and German communities to this Central Asian city.

The church was built in 1916 by the Catholic community after Polish prisoners of war arrived in 1915. This construction marked a significant addition to the religious structures of Samarkand and reflects the influence of European settlers on the city.

This church represents the presence of Polish and German merchants who settled in Samarkand during the Russian Empire period. Visitors can see how this community maintained its faith traditions in this Central Asian city.

The building is generally accessible to visitors but may be restricted during religious services. It is best to inquire in advance or visit during quiet hours of the day to explore the interior without disruption.

The building served as a school during the Soviet period from 1930 until its restoration in 1999. This conversion shows how religious sites were repurposed during socialist rule before returning to their original function.