Exploring the old city of Ganja can be accomplished in just one day; a leisurely stroll can cover its highlights in a couple of hours. However, if you take your time to savor life like a true local, enjoying aromatic coffee and the surrounding sights, you might find that even two days aren’t enough to fully appreciate its charm.
Founded in the 9th century, Ganja has a rich history marked by its role as a battleground for various states. Over the centuries, it has witnessed conflicts over territorial divisions, including wars against the Mongols, Turks, and Ottomans. The city has also been under the control of the Russian Empire and was known as Elisavetpol during the Tsarist era and Kirovabad in the Soviet period. This tumultuous history has left its mark on Ganja’s main attractions, where ancient mausoleums, mosques, and Orthodox churches coexist alongside Soviet-era architecture.
The principal mosque of Ganja was constructed in 1606 on the orders of the Persian ruler Shah Abbas I. Today, it stands as the most prominent example of religious architecture in the city. The architect, who was also an astronomer, designed the facade so that it could serve as a sundial. At precisely noon, a ray of sunlight illuminates a white brick recess on the western side of the mosque. Made from red brick, the Juma Mosque is adorned with intricate carvings, oak minarets, and stained glass windows known as shebeke. Nearby, a small park with trees and fountains provides a pleasant spot to relax. Within the park, you’ll find a modest one-story building that mirrors the mosque’s architectural style. This is a mausoleum that houses the remains of the last Ganja khan, Djaavad Khan. The tomb, constructed from baked red brick, features arched decorations, oak insertions, and shebeke windows.
This modern architectural and museum complex was established in Ganja in 2014. The centerpiece is a tall fortress wall complete with towers and brick gates, styled to resemble an ancient fortress. Beneath the surface lies a 60-meter-long tunnel. Within this complex, you will find two museums: one dedicated to archaeology and ethnography, and the other to the military history of Ganja. On the fourth floor, there is an observation area where you can walk along the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding city.
The main pedestrian street in Ganja is renowned for its architectural landmarks and a high concentration of cultural venues. Along the 500-meter promenade, you will encounter beautiful two-story mansions from the 19th and 20th centuries, numerous sculptures, fountains, and flowerbeds designed in the shape of the traditional Azerbaijani motif known as “butterfly.” This area is perfect for leisurely strolls, dining in cozy restaurants, or engaging in cultural activities. You might catch a concert at the Philharmonic Hall, attend a play at the drama theater, or take your children to a performance at the puppet theater.
Ganja is the birthplace of the renowned Azerbaijani poet and philosopher Abu Muhammad Ilyas Yusuf, better known by his pen name Nizami Ganjavi. He not only excelled in poetry but also maintained close ties with Azerbaijani rulers, earning a reputation for his wisdom. In his honor, a memorial complex has been established in the city. At its center stands a tall octagonal mausoleum made of granite. Visitors can stroll through the square in front of it, which features fountains, or take in the views of the city from the observation deck. The complex also includes the Nizami Ganjavi Museum, which showcases exhibitions about the poet’s life and work, including ancient 12th-century manuscripts, artifacts from that era, and beautiful collections of books published for Nizami’s 800th anniversary.
To witness the highest concentration of stunning buildings and monuments in Ganja, take a leisurely walk along two main avenues: Heydar Aliyev and Kemal Atatürk. Nestled between them is Heydar Aliyev Square, surrounded by red-brick buildings from the late 19th century and structures in the Stalinist Empire style. Here, you will also find classical architectural monuments from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many of which have been restored, with souvenir shops and restaurants occupying their ground floors.
This modern urban landmark is the largest park complex in the Caucasus, offering recreational and entertainment zones. You will be awed by the scale of this cultural and leisure park as soon as you enter. A 38-meter triumphal arch adorned with columns and shebeke windows welcomes visitors. It features an observation deck and a café on its roof, accessible by elevator or stairs. As night falls, this grand architectural structure is beautifully illuminated, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The park’s two-kilometer promenade includes pedestrian and cycling paths lined with around 20 fountains and numerous granite columns topped with lanterns.
Within the park complex, thousands of trees, shrubs, and flowers have been planted, and an artificial lake with a cascading waterfall adds to the serene atmosphere. Here, you can not only relax in nature but also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art or enjoy a concert at the open-air amphitheater. Additionally, the park is home to Ganja’s largest amusement park, GancLand, which features thrilling rides, a Ferris wheel, go-karting, an equestrian club, and a 7D cinema.
The Chokek Hammam is an architectural gem of Ganja, built in the 1600s and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed from a blend of egg whites, clay, lime, and red brick, this bathhouse features a solid foundation, walls, a roof, and seven domes of varying sizes.
The hammam consists of two interconnected halls: the first includes a steam room, Turkish bath, and sauna, while the second houses a pool and fountain. Guided tours are offered of the outdoor and indoor areas when the hammam is not occupied by guests. Note that the hammam is exclusively for men, and additional services such as spa treatments, body scrubs, and various forms of steaming are available.
Named after the ancient Russian prince Alexander Nevsky, this church in Ganja is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Azerbaijan. It is believed to have been built in 1887 with charitable contributions from local residents. Today, it remains an active place of worship where visitors can admire the interiors in traditional Russian ecclesiastical style. In the main hall, you will find beautifully gilded icons dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky and Mary Magdalene. The church’s architecture is equally captivating, featuring dark red brick adorned with stained glass and stone carvings, reminiscent of Byzantine church-building styles.
One of Ganja’s most unique attractions is located at the intersection of Huseynli and Javid streets. This two-story mansion has a conventional red brick first floor, while the second floor is constructed from an astonishing array of bottles. Nearly 50,000 empty bottles were used to realize this architectural vision. The façade is further decorated with pebbles sourced from the Black Sea coast.
The house was built by Ibrahim, a veteran of World War II, in memory of his brother Yusif, who went missing in action. Upon returning from the war, Ibrahim believed that if Yusif knew of this extraordinary gift awaiting him at home, he would surely return. Though that miracle never happened, the mansion has become a beautiful addition to the residential area of Ganja.
Located just seven kilometers from Ganja, the Imamzadeh Mausoleum is one of Azerbaijan’s most revered and beautiful sanctuaries. This medieval mausoleum, believed to have been built in the 12th century, is the final resting place of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, a prominent Shia leader. Over time, a complete architectural complex has developed around it, featuring a mosque, caravanserais, and fortress walls. The red-brick structures of the mausoleum and mosque are adorned with stunning domes and exquisite blue tiles. The facades are decorated with colorful geometric patterns and images of peacocks, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.
