Carpets, palaces and reserves: Top 15 attractions in Azerbaijan

Shirvanshahs Palace (Baku)

Since the 15th century, Baku has been home to a magnificent landmark of Azerbaijan - the palace complex of the Shirvanshahs. It was at this time that the capital, and consequently the residence of the rulers, was moved from Shemakha to Baku. In addition to the main two-story building, the palace complex includes a tomb, divankhans, mosque, Eastern portal, mausoleum of Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi and Murad Gate.

The laconic outlines of the main palace combine the splendor of warm sunny tones, stone patterned lattices of upper and first floor windows make the house incredibly expressive and picturesque. The palace has about fifty rooms, of different sizes, shapes and purposes. The monument should absolutely not be bypassed, as it is considered to be the main cultural landmark of the whole Azerbaijan.

Caravanserai (Sheki)

This is one of the most exotic and original monuments not only of the city, but of the whole Azerbaijan. The legendary inn, built back in the XVIII century, was intended for tired travelers: rich merchants and slave owners who traded the territories of Europe and Asia.

The building, made of massive stone, looks more like a fortress. Only one entrance leads into it. Under each apartment there is a separate cellar, where traders could hide all their valuables: expensive silks, aromatic spices and seasonings, furs and other goods.

Sheki caravanserai is divided into Lower and Upper parts. In the first part since 1988 there is a hotel and restaurant, which offers all guests to taste traditional dishes of national cuisine. The Upper Caravanserai is a museum open to all visitors. Here you can walk along ancient cobblestone floors, look into cozy rooms that have become mute witnesses of many mysteries and tragedies, interesting stories and fateful decisions.

Surakhani temple of fire worshippers Ateshgah (Surakhany)

The temple of eternal fire Ateshgah is the real Azerbaijani exotic. It is known practically all over the world. It is located 30 km from the center of Baku, on the outskirts of Surakhani settlement. This territory is known for such a unique natural phenomenon as burning outlets of natural gas.

In its modern form the temple was built in XVII-XVIII centuries. However, the history of the Ateshgah Temple is much older. The temple as a place of worship existed until 1880. Today, the ancient Zoroastrian temple of Ateshgah is once again open to the public and attracts tourists from all over the world.

Muhammad Mosque (Baku)

Muhammad Mosque is located in the historical center of Baku. It dates back to the XI century AD. This mosque is the first Islamic shrine in Azerbaijan, so it is treated with special awe and respect. In 2010, the building was completely restored with the participation of UNESCO.

Today, the mosque opens its doors to those who do not profess Islam. However, as in most such cases, women are not allowed inside. Men should choose suitable clothing that covers shoulders, elbows and knees, and leave their shoes at the entrance.

Icheri Sheher Old Town (Baku)

Icheri Sheher is famous for having the oldest buildings in Baku. Settlement here dates back to ancient times, but Icheri Sheher itself was first mentioned in the 5th century.

The next 500 years of the city's history are still covered with a veil of mystery, and only a few archaeological finds allow us to learn something about the life of those times. Active development of Icheri Sheher fell on X-XV centuries, when the construction of fortifications, palaces and mosques began. The architectural monuments have reached our days in different condition: some are in ruins, while others have been preserved almost in pristine condition. It can take more than one day to explore Icheri Sheher - there are so many historical monuments here.

Gandzasar Monastery (Nagorno-Karabakh)

Gandzasar Monastery is located near silver and copper mines. That is why it was named "the mountain of treasures". The monastery was probably built in the 10th century. It is one of the oldest shrines of Azerbaijan.

The stylistics of the temple corresponds to the era: its main architectural part is a domed hall; ancient architects used stone bas-reliefs as decoration, and their themes were exclusively biblical. Interestingly, the monastery is still functioning.

Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum (Baku)

For Azerbaijanis, as well as for representatives of other Middle Eastern countries, carpets are considered an integral element of history and culture. Azerbaijani carpets are famous for their ornate and colorful patterns, and there are many types and techniques of their execution. It is difficult to say when exactly carpet weaving originated in Azerbaijan, but it is known that this craft reached its peak in the XVI century. Since then, the production has acquired industrial scale, and Azerbaijani carpets have become famous all over the world.

It is possible to tell about carpet weaving for a long time, but you will learn much more interesting things at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, where they will tell you about the history, teach you the tricks of the trade, and show you centuries-old carpets. You will hardly be able to pass by and not notice the museum, because its building is made in the form of a rolled up carpet.

Heydar Aliyev Center (Baku)

In addition to ancient monuments, Baku may well boast of the architecture of the future, and the Heydar Aliyev Center is an excellent confirmation of this. The architect's name alone gives this building great value.

The center was built just over a decade ago, and in 2014 it won a prestigious award for its design, recognized by many architects and independent experts as the best in the world.

Inside there are modern exhibition halls, office space, catering facilities and conference rooms for meetings with cultural figures, scientists, politicians, etc. Both temporary and permanent expositions are waiting for you in the exhibition halls. The latter includes an exhibition of national costumes, carpets and musical instruments. Special attention should be paid to the exhibition of photographs devoted to the national cuisine, where it is better not to come hungry. And finally, be sure to visit the hall where miniatures of famous architectural sights of Azerbaijan are exhibited.

Resort town Naftalan

Naftalan is a town in the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus, the main source of production of petroleum oil used for therapeutic purposes. It is said that oil has a favorable effect on joints, ligaments and bones, anesthetizes and improves metabolism.

People go to Naftalan for warm climate, mountain air and calm, health-improving rest. They say about Naftalan: "Patients who come here with crutches because of joint disease, and leave here without them".

This is what gave rise to the idea of the Museum of crutches in the town, which were left by the recovered guests. Other attractions of the city include the Museum of Regional Studies with an exposition on the heritage of the resort town and Nizami Park.

Gabala

Gabala is a high mountain town 255 km from the capital of Azerbaijan, a cultural and tourist center of the country. Gabala has no sea, but it has mountains, lakes, waterfalls and chestnut forests. The city is located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.

Travelers call Gabala "Azerbaijan's Switzerland": skiing is well developed here. Gabala is also home to the nationally renowned GABALAND entertainment park with a beautiful landscape, cascading lake, fountain, cafes and restaurants surrounded by mountain ranges.

Gobustan National Park

Gobustan is considered the most visited national park in Azerbaijan. It is on the UNESCO list and is rich in numerous fascinating phenomena. These include mud volcanoes and musical rocks that enchant tourists from the first minutes of their stay.

You can also learn about the history of mankind here, as on the walls of the caves you will see unique drawings older than 40,000 years. These rock carvings show silhouettes of people and animals. The musical rock of Gawal Dash amazes travelers with its symphonic sounds. When you lightly hit this wall with your hand, you will hear the sound of a tambourine. Not far from this sanctuary are also the famous mud volcanoes.

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Geygel National Park

Azerbaijan's famous Geygel Lake is located in the Geygel National Park, which is rightly considered the oldest in Azerbaijan.

This area received the status of a reserve back in 1925, when the Union decided to restore mountain forests, lakes and meadows in this area. Geygel National Park is full of steep valleys, crossing rivers and many lakes. Walking through its territory you can see deer, wild boar, bear, as well as many unique representatives of flora.

Lagich village

Authentic Azerbaijani village has preserved the ancient spirit of artisans. Lagich is the refuge of 40 crafts, as they used to say in the old days. Folk crafts have been developing here for centuries. The village is divided into separate micro-districts, each of which cultivates one craft. Now the village of Lagich is home to about a thousand people, and there are many tourists at any time of the year.

Surprisingly, the flavor of the medieval town structure has been preserved here. For example, the streets are paved with stone, ancient houses have stone masonry. The sewage system, which girdles the whole village, was built more than a thousand years ago. There is a market of copper utensils and classic Azerbaijani weapons in the village.

Palace of Sheki Khans (Sheki)

In the city of Sheki there is a museum, formerly the residence of Sheki Khans. Now it is a monument of world history and culture.

The history of the architectural complex goes back to the 18th century. It was then that the first stone of the construction was laid, which, according to the architect's plans, should have a Persian style. The palace rises surrounded by fortress walls. Its facade is painted with thematic inscriptions and drawings. In the center of the facade there is a stained glass window composition - a real masterpiece of modern architecture. The multicolored glass mosaic sparkles in the sun with all the colors of the rainbow. The palace is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Lake Batabat

Among the picturesque Azerbaijani mountains at an altitude of 2113 meters there is a picturesque lake Batabat. This place is notable for the fact that its appearance changes dramatically depending on the weather. In cloudy days all the severity of high-mountain nature is felt here, in sunny days - everything around is so green that sometimes it seems unreal, and in winter Batabat and its surroundings look as if written from the pages of fairy tales.

Famous lake and thanks to the floating peat island, which from time to time changes its location. Batabat is a very popular vacation spot for locals and tourists alike, so we recommend bringing a tent and sleeping bag if you like to sleep under the stars.