Tash Hauli Palace, or 'Stone House', is Khiva's most splendid palace, built 1830-1838 for Khan Alla Kuli. It contains 163 rooms across three courtyards: the harem with 5 suites for the khan's wives, reception courtyard for official ceremonies, and the court of justice. The blue-and-white majolica tiles, carved wooden ceilings, and columns are among Central Asia's finest. The architect was executed because construction took eight years instead of the allotted two.