Azerbaijan is an incredibly colorful country, where Eastern and European cultures are harmoniously intertwined. Washed by the Caspian Sea and surrounded by high peaks of mountains, this country is full of natural and historical gems. It is tough to choose the sights to start with. Here is a list of the most popular Azerbaijan tourist attractions to visit for an indelible experience.
Icheri Sheher (Baku)
When you get to the oldest quarter of Baku, located right in the center, it seems that time has stopped. This is the heart of Baku, “Old City”, or Icheri Sheher, where the history of this marvelous city began. A fortified complex includes houses where people lived hundreds and thousands of years ago and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shirvanshah Palace and Maiden Tower are also parts of Icheri Sheher. The historical quarter also boasts local shops, handicrafts, and authentic restaurants. Maybe the only thing you won’t find here is the landbased casinos – gambling isn’t legal in Azerbaijan. However, the land is so full of great attractions that you won’t find time for crazytime gambling but admire the beauty of the country.
Maiden Tower (Baku)
You should start your acquaintance with Azerbaijan from the capital Baku. Its entire old part is a historical and architectural reserve. It is also home to an unusual and mysterious structure – the Maiden Tower. No one has been able to determine the exact time of its construction. Historians claim that inside there were once ritual wells going down to 21 meters, and the tower itself served as a Zoroastrian temple. Be that as it may, the structure has no analogs in the East. Today this mysterious yet fascinating monument is a UNESCO heritage site. To get the most from your visit to Baku, climb the spiral staircase to the top of the Maiden Tower and admire the awe-inspiring view of Baku.
Heydar Aliyev Center (Baku)
When you come to Azerbaijan on vacation, be sure to visit the Heydar Aliyev Center. It is a unique cultural center with a futuristic design by Zaha Hadid. By the way, it was recognized as the best building in the world in 2014. It includes an art exhibition hall, museum, congress center, administrative offices, and Heydar Aliyev’s museum. Heydar Aliyev was Azerbaijan’s third president (1969-1987). The main purpose of this cultural institution is to develop Azerbaijani culture, language, and traditions.
Gobustan Reserve (Baku)
Gobustan Natural Reserve near Baku is one of the most famous open-air museums in the world. Historians even compare it to Stonehenge. Here travelers can admire the ancient petroglyphs of Mesolithic times, which are about 4-5 thousand years old. These rock drawings are located chaotically on the rocks and have aroused the interest of several generations in a row. Another peculiarity of the reserve is a desert strip stretching for 20 km and unique mud volcanoes.
Juma Mosque Of Shamakhi (Shamakhi)
Azerbaijan’s oldest mosque in the town of Shamakhi, Juma Mosque, dates back to the 18th century. In the 18th century, the city of Shamakhi was the residence of the Arab Caliph. The large prayer hall in the mosque consists of three parts connected by narrow passageways. Due to numerous earthquakes and wars, the mosque had to be constantly restored. But despite the rebuilding, the plan of the mosque remained unchanged.
Palace of Shaki Khans (Shaki)
This two-storied building served as the residence of Huseyn Khan Mushtaq in the 18th century. The luxurious decoration and exterior furnishings have been perfectly preserved, and travelers have an excellent opportunity to admire the beautiful stained glass windows consisting of thousands of colorful pieces and incredible openwork lattices made of stone.
Are you looking for more of Azerbaijan’s tourist attractions to visit? Then visit the magnificent cities of Qabala, Lankaran, Sheki, Khaliq, Khizi, Nabran, Gakh, and Quba. And add the following sights to your Azerbaijan itinerary:
- Flame Towers (Baku).
- Bibi-Heybat Mosque (Baku).
- Ateshgah Fire Temple (Baku).
- Mohammed Mosque (Baku).
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum (Baku).
- National Museum of History of Azerbaijan (Baku).
- Caravanserai (Sheki).
- Momine Khatun Mausoleum (Nakhchivan).
- Ismailia Palace (Ismailiyya).
- Lagic Village.
- Geygel Park.
- Absheron National Park.
- Shirvan National Park.
- Agh Gol National Park.
- Naftalan Oil Resort.
Each of these places has its unique charm, as Azerbaijan itself. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit them!
