Out of all the cities of Skyrim, Markarth is definitely one of the most unique. Located in the southwestern end of Skyrim, the whole city is built into a mountain and sprawls across multiple levels, overlooking the plains of the Reach before it. Despite its gorgeous views, however, it's a city with a complicated history and less than kind people.
From the issues of Forsworn and Cidhna Mine to a haunted house and even a flesh-eating cult, Markarth has its fair share of secrets its Jarl would most likely rather keep a lid on. However, as the Dragonborn arrives, all of the city's secrets and hidden details are open for exploration.
10 The College Of Voice
In Skyrim, Thu'um is a particular magic which only a few select people are able to use and master during their lifetime. This is what makes the Dragonborn special. However, once upon a time, Thu'um was almost harnessed for other, more violent uses.
Markarth actually had what was known as the College of Voice. This was a school opened by the Emperor of Tamriel himself, who wanted to train other users of the Voice to fight in battles for him. Unfortunately, this college is long gone, and most likely was either destroyed or demolished.
9 A City Of Stone, Not Metal
The Dwemer are a species that have been mentioned time and time again in previous Elder Scrolls games. They're known for their mysterious and somewhat cruel ways, but also for their unique architecture; they once built Markarth from top to bottom.
However, in previous games, players may have seen structures that were built from metal rather than stone, which would make Markarth special in that sense alone. Indeed, the city was carved from the mountain itself, and the rest was built from scratch, which is impressive to say the least.
8 High King Olaf One-Eye
Encountered both in Sovngarde and in Draugr form during the Tending The Flames quest, Olaf One-Eye is a significant character for his heroic achievements. It is said he defeated the dragon Numinex, although the Dragonborn can opt to change this during the quest.
Olaf is also significant when it comes to the existence of Markarth. One could even say that without his contribution, the city wouldn't be what it is today. It was Olaf who took control of Markarth and returned it back into the hands of the Nords.
7 Calcelmo's Tablet
During the Thieves Guild questline, the player will eventually be sent over to Markarth to see Calcelmo's well-guarded stone tablet in his Dwemer museum, which will help decipher the notes within a certain diary. Although the tablet serves as a point of reference, it does actually have a pretty fascinating text itself.
It is almost like a letter to the Falmer, a sort of invitation for them to join the Dwemer and consume the mysterious fungal matter which eventually drove them blind. The Dwemer even state in their letter not to be afraid when "darkness would close in," implying the Falmer knew what they were getting into.
6 The Original Markarth
The Elder Scrolls: Arena is an old game; one that most fans of the franchise today most likely have never played. Given how different things were back then in terms of lore, this isn't really a big surprise, but the map of Skyrim still looks somewhat familiar.
One of the details that's majorly different about Markarth on the map is its location, which is roughly where Solitude is in the current game. Moreover, the town was called Markarth Side rather than just Markarth, which goes to show just how much lore was rebuilt over time to accommodate later games.
5 Aetherium Mining
It's no secret that Markarth was built and once owned by the Dwemer. However, rather than just being part of the bigger province of Skyrim, Markarth was more than that; it was an actual independent state and city all at the same time.
The main purpose of Markarth was the mining of Aetherium, the rare ore which makes an appearance in the Dawnguard DLC for Skyrim. The old name for the city was actually Nchuand-Zel, which is also the name of the ruins that lie underneath it now.
4 Cosnach And The Inn
One of the funniest and weirdest followers available in Skyrim also resides in Markarth. Cosnach is a bit of a lazy person, and although he works for the local general goods store, he seems to never have any work to do. As a result, he's most often found hanging around at the Silver-Blood Inn.
Upon speaking with him, he can be challenged to a brawl for 100 gold. If the player wins, they can recruit him as a follower. But more interestingly, once Cosnach is defeated, the player can also grab any cheap item at the inn for free, for whatever reason, without being accused of stealing.
3 Kerah And Endon
Kerah and Endon are a very noteworthy couple living in Markarth. For one, Endon works for the Thieves Guild as a local fence, and can be interacted with later on as a member of the Guild. His wife Kerah, however, doesn't really seem to know about his husband's work — or if she does, she doesn't really care.
Kerah herself sells jewelry, and it's implied that she hasn't acquired hers in entirely legitimate ways, either. Some of her treasures reportedly come from "Hammerfell nobility," which means they could be stolen. Inside their home in Markarth, players can also find a famous Pac-Man Easter egg.
2 The Warrens
Although most player are at least familiar with the Warrens in Riften, many likely haven't visited the Warrens in Markarth. After all, there's not really much to see here, unless the player wants to feel bad for those living in immense poverty in the city.
That being said, the Warrens have one interesting character: Garvey. Not only can he teach the Dragonborn a thing or two about sneaking, he'll also treat the player as though they belong in the Warrens if they approach him while sick.
1 Bad Customer Service
Back to the Silver-Blood Inn, which is likely the liveliest place in depressive Markarth. Upon entering, it's pretty evident that the two innkeepers, Kleppr and Frabbi, are not exactly in a happy marriage. The two of them are constantly caught bickering about anything and everything.
If the player sits by the fireplace, the two will start arguing until Kleppr tells Frabbi to go and ask the Dragonborn what he'd like. It's a cool interaction that most players might miss out on when first arriving here.