Your journey in Baku often begins in the historical district of Icheri Sheher, the ancient “city within a city.” This is the oldest part of the Azerbaijani capital, a living museum and the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the country. The Old City is rich with architectural treasures, including mosques, palaces, towers, gates, caravanserais, ancient excavations, traditional hammams, and museums. The very streets that once served as the backdrop for characters in legendary Soviet films like “The Diamond Arm” and “The Amphibian Man” continue to surprise visitors today.
As you navigate the labyrinthine alleyways, you might stumble upon the ancient Mosque of Muhammad, one of the earliest structures in the city, believed to have been founded in the 11th century. Another significant historical site is the series of baths; these exquisite Eastern hammams, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries, still welcome visitors today.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the treasure trove within the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, marvel at the grandeur of the ancient walls, and immerse yourself in the Eastern ambiance by visiting one of the caravanserais. These medieval hospitality centers for weary travelers are still operational today—some functioning as shopping centers, others as museums, and some even offering restaurant services. Choose according to your preference!
The most impressive fortification in Baku and, arguably, all of Azerbaijan is the Baku Fortress. This formidable structure that greets visitors today was even more monumental during the Middle Ages. The initial walls were laid in the 12th century, and currently, only a 500-meter section remains of the 1,500 meters of the fortress that once encircled the city, protecting it from both land and sea.
This remaining wall is quite striking—over 3 meters thick and 8 meters high, it features 25 towers and 5 gates. The most beautiful among these are the Shemakha gates, or twin gates, which serve as the grand entrance to the Old City. Stroll through the narrow streets of the citadel to capture the essence of an ancient khanate or the atmosphere of “The Diamond Arm” film.
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs deserves special mention. This jewel of medieval architecture has an uncertain date of construction. The Shirvanshah dynasty began its rule in the 8th century, and in the 12th century, they made Baku their capital, commissioning the fortress and residence of the rulers along the Caspian Sea.
Some structures within the complex date back to the 8th century, while the palace itself is attributed to the 15th century. Despite the centuries of construction, the complex appears cohesive and harmonious. Within the grounds, you’ll find a charming courtyard, a mosque, a mausoleum, the burial place of the Shirvanshahs, and royal baths. The most interesting artifacts can be found in the rulers’ palace, which now functions as a museum housing items from the history of the Shirvanshahs across various eras. Be sure to seek out the legendary bailov stones from the “Baku Atlantis!”
Another robust fortification awaits you in the village of Mardakan. The Mardakan Fortress, a square and imposing structure built in the 14th century, was part of a defensive ring of watchtowers and signal towers that protected the approaches to Baku.
The fortifications in Absheron did not include spacious courtyards or residential and service areas; these were located outside the fortress walls. Castles here were constructed primarily for observation and defense. Rising above the fortress wall is a 22-meter-tall tower, easily visible from both the ground and the fortress wall. Recently restored, it offers visitors a pleasant and completely safe walking experience!
For a touch of romance, head to the elegant Mukhtarov Palace. Inspired by Venetian architecture and the honeymoon with his young wife, oil magnate and philanthropist Murad Mukhtarov envisioned creating a piece of the “Adriatic Pearl” in his native Baku.
This magnificent palace, modeled after Venetian palazzos, remains one of the most beautiful buildings in pre-revolutionary Baku. Constructed in just one year in 1912, it continues to serve its purpose as a Wedding Palace, hosting ceremonies within its beautiful walls.
Among the most significant landmarks in Baku are its Islamic mosques. Here’s our list of the most beautiful and historically significant temples in the Azerbaijani capital. If you’re short on time, be sure to visit the Heydar Mosque, one of the most majestic and impressive in the entire Caucasus. Built in just two years, this stunning structure opened its doors in 2014 and was named in honor of Heydar Aliyev by his successor and son, the current President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
While wandering through the Old City, don’t miss the ornate Juma Mosque. Constructed in the 12th century, its minaret dates back to the 15th century. The name “Juma” translates to “Friday,” and while it primarily serves as a place of worship on that day, it welcomes visitors of all faiths throughout the week.
Equally captivating is the beautiful Bibi-Heybat Mosque. This temple was completely rebuilt from the ground up on the site of a destroyed mosque. From its well-kept grounds, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Baku Bay, and inside, you’ll be greeted by a dazzling array of colors. The turquoise and malachite tiles sparkle like precious gems, while verses from the Quran are inscribed in gold.
Another unique phenomenon within Azerbaijani culture is the Tezepir Mosque, founded at the behest of a woman. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Nabat Ashurbekova wished to gift Baku a beautiful mosque but passed away before its completion. Her son took over the project, and in 1914, this magnificent structure opened its doors. Since the mid-20th century, it has once again served as a mosque, welcoming worshippers to this day. The interior is opulent, featuring marble, red wood, and exquisite examples of Eastern painting. Its exterior is equally impressive, with golden minaret tops and intricate designs adorning the dome crafted from pure gold.
Despite Baku being dubbed an open-air museum, the city boasts a plethora of diverse exhibitions for the most curious tourists.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
If you have a passion for museums, the first place you should head to in Baku is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Located prominently on the waterfront along Neftchilar Avenue, it features an eye-catching carpet roll, the most vibrant symbol of Azerbaijan!
This museum is the first of its kind in the world. Its extensive collection and the prominent location it occupies in the Azerbaijani capital reflect the deep respect Baku holds for the art of carpet weaving, a tradition steeped in history. Here, you can explore a variety of exhibits showcasing both antique and contemporary carpets, as well as pieces from all regions of Azerbaijan. Additionally, you can witness the age-old craft of carpet weaving firsthand, as skilled artisans work on-site. Beyond carpets, the museum also displays exhibitions of pottery, weaponry, jewelry, and items made from wood, glass, and metal.
Museum of History of Azerbaijan
For those who appreciate classic museums, the Museum of History of Azerbaijan is a must-visit. Housed in a historic mansion belonging to Azerbaijani industrialist and philanthropist Hajji Taghiyev, the museum spans over 3,000 square meters. It features six departments that showcase the history of the republic through various periods, from prehistoric times and the Middle Ages to the modern era. With a collection of 300,000 artifacts, including truly unique items like 4,000-year-old gold artifacts, ancient coins, and archaeological exhibits from the Bronze Age, the museum is centrally located, making it easily accessible.
Gala Ethnographic Museum
While it may take a bit more effort to reach the Gala Historical-Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, the journey is well worth it.
During your stay in Baku, make it a point to visit this open-air museum. Spanning 1.5 hectares, it offers a glimpse into how the ancestors of modern Azerbaijanis lived and entertained themselves, dating back over 5,000 years. The site showcases a wealth of artifacts, including household items, pottery, jewelry, and models of ancient dwellings and livestock pens.
You’ll also find ancient rock paintings—petroglyphs—on display. Additionally, Gala features its own castle, a beautifully restored 15th-century structure, along with a modern art museum, providing a comprehensive view of the region’s rich history and culture.
