Historical locations

Gobustan State Historical-Artistic Reserve

At the Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Reserve, Azerbaijan’s ancient past comes vividly to life - from prehistoric rock art to the famed “singing stones” - through an extraordinary collection of petroglyphs. Depicting figures of people and warriors, animals, boats, dances, hunting scenes and camel caravans, these carvings offer insight into ways of life dating back between 5,000 and 20,000 years.

The Gobustan Reserve is home to an extraordinary collection of more than 7,000 rock engravings. The site also contains ancient settlements, caves and burial mounds, all of which bear witness to human activity in the area from the Upper Palaeolithic period through to the Middle Ages. Covering a total area of 4,535 hectares, tours of the reserve begin at the modern Gobustan Museum.

Two further highlights of the reserve are a Latin inscription carved into the rock by Roman soldiers who passed through the area in the first century AD, and the so-called “Gaval Dash” — a two-metre-long musical stone that produces a distinctive tambourine-like sound when struck with a small stone.

The site was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2007.

Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex

Azerbaijan is one of the few countries in the world exceptionally rich in mud volcanoes, and this natural phenomenon is regarded as one of the most distinctive elements of the nation’s natural heritage. Of the more than 2,000 mud volcanoes known worldwide, around 30 per cent - nearly 400 - are located within Azerbaijan’s territory.

These volcanoes are found predominantly on the Absheron Peninsula, across the Baku archipelago, in the Shamakhi and Gobustan districts, the south-eastern Shirvan region, and within the waters of the Caspian Sea.

Mud volcanoes are a geologically unique natural phenomenon. Their activity brings mud, gases and mineral-rich material from deep underground layers to the surface. Many of Azerbaijan’s mud volcanoes remain active and erupt periodically, a feature that makes them of particular interest for both scientific research and tourism.

To enable visitors to observe these rare natural formations at close range and learn more about them, the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex has been established approximately 80 kilometres from Baku. Covering 12 hectares and surrounded by active mud volcanoes, the complex offers direct access to this remarkable landscape.

Within the site lies the “Gilinj” mud volcano, composed of eight aligned cones. The breccia - coarse, fragmented rock material - emitted from the volcano spreads across a wide area.

The complex also features an exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijan’s geological heritage, a natural history display of animal skeletons representing local and global fauna, and a collection showcasing natural minerals.

Alinja Castle

Alinja Castle is a medieval fortress perched on a mountain peak in the Julfa district. In the Middle Ages, it was used by the Seljuk, Atabeg and Safavid dynasties of Nakhchivan, and has since been restored.

Renowned for its near-impregnable position, the fortress was nevertheless captured in 1401 by Amir Timur after a prolonged 14-year campaign. According to legend, he later used the castle to store his treasury, and local tradition maintains that hidden riches may still lie concealed in the surrounding area.

Ateshgah Temple State Historical and Architectural Reserve

Located in the Surakhani settlement of Baku, the Ateshgah Fire Temple has long been one of Azerbaijan’s most renowned landmarks. The Absheron Peninsula, where the monument stands, is rich in underground gas and oil deposits; in the past, these lay so close to the surface that they ignited naturally, giving the region its enduring epithet, the “Land of Fire”.

Built in the 17th and 18th centuries in such a setting, the Ateshgah attracted fire-worshipping pilgrims from both the Near and Far East. They lived in the surrounding cells and carried out rituals in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Today, the site still bears 21 inscriptions, written primarily in Devanagari script (Sanskrit), as well as in Gurmukhi - the script associated with Sikh tradition - and Persian. These inscriptions testify to the Ateshgah’s role as a shared place of worship for communities of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The Ateshgah Temple and its naturally emerging flames attracted not only pilgrims, but also merchants, scholars, writers, diplomats and travellers from Europe and the Near East. The site was described in detail in numerous paintings, travel accounts and memoirs.

Among those who visited were the German traveller Engelbert Kaempfer in the late 17th century, the prominent English public figure, traveller and writer Jonas Hanway in the 18th century, as well as other explorers such as Villot and Lerch at various times.

The Ateshgah was not only a place of worship but also an important stop along the historic Silk Road, serving as a centre of trade and cultural exchange. Merchants arriving from South Asia made extensive use of the site and took particular care to ensure the temple was maintained in good condition.

In architectural terms, the Ateshgah reflects a number of defining features of the Absheron school of architecture. The temple complex comprises 24 cells arranged in a pentagonal formation, with a guest chamber known as the Balakhana positioned above the entrance portal.

At the centre of the inner courtyard stands the main fire altar, known as the Chahartagh, constructed in keeping with traditional Absheron and Zoroastrian architectural principles. The courtyard also contains a cremation area, additional fire altars, wells and remnants of historic gas lines.

Today, visitors to the Ateshgah gain a clear understanding of why Azerbaijan is known as the “Land of Fire” and the true origins of the country’s association with natural flames.

In recognition of its role in Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, the site was designated in 2007 as the Ateshgah Temple State Historical and Architectural Reserve.

Azikh Cave

Azikh Cave is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the South Caucasus. Located in the scenic Garabagh region, just five kilometres from the village of Tugh in the Khojavend district, the cave has attracted international attention for its remarkable archaeological discoveries.

Excavations begun in 1960 revealed evidence of early human habitation, including stone tools and traces of hearths. Most notably, archaeologists uncovered a human lower jawbone believed to be between 350,000 and 400,000 years old.

Yanardagh State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve

Located 27 kilometres from Baku, within the territory of Mammadli village, Yanar Dagh is one of the Caucasus region’s most distinctive natural landmarks. Here, natural gas seeping from beneath the ground has burned continuously for centuries.

Sites of this kind - where such an unusual natural phenomenon occurs - have long been regarded as sacred by the people of Azerbaijan and are closely associated with ancient fire-worship traditions. In recognition of its historical significance within Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, the area was designated in 2007 as the Yanar Dagh State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve.

The Yanar Dagh Reserve is one of Azerbaijan’s most visited tourist destinations. The site includes a museum and exhibition hall dedicated to the history of fire worship, nearby mud volcanoes, an open-air museum, and a space showcasing local craft products.

The Yanar Dagh monument itself is situated on a slope measuring approximately 15 metres in length and 5 metres in height, at the heart of the reserve. It is surrounded by an amphitheatre used for open-air concerts and performances.

Historically, the flames of Yanar Dagh extended across a much wider area. Indeed, the three burning tongues of flame that have become a symbol of Baku were inspired by three extinct hill formations located near Yanar Dagh.

Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory

Situated 22 kilometres north of Shamakhi city centre, in the settlement of Pirgulu along the scenic route to the Caucasus Mountains, the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory is one of the region’s largest and most strategically important scientific research centres. Named in honour of the 13th-century astronomer Nasir al-Din Tusi, the observatory was established in 1959 and has produced significant research in the study of stars, galaxies and cosmic processes.

Today, alongside its scientific work, the observatory also serves an educational and scientific tourism function. Through its exhibition spaces, large-scale telescope facilities and night observation programmes, it contributes to the development of the region’s tourism and innovation potential.

Khinalig village

Perched at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres in the mountainous Quba district, the village of Khinalig is regarded as one of the oldest settlements not only in Azerbaijan but in the entire Caucasus. Its inhabitants, known as the Khinalig people, speak their own distinct language and preserve customs and traditions that set them apart from neighbouring regions.

The village is distinguished by an architectural style adapted to the rugged terrain. Houses are built in stepped formations, rising one above another, with the roof of one dwelling often serving as the courtyard for the next. This layout reflects both adaptation to the harsh climate and the efficient use of limited space.

In and around Khinalig, visitors encounter ancient necropolises dating back millennia, historic mosques and mausoleums, mills, early water supply systems, spring structures and caves regarded as sacred. The village has preserved its medieval neighbourhood layout to this day.

It is therefore no coincidence that, in 2007, the territory of Khinalig was designated a State Historical, Architectural and Ethnographic Reserve.

One of Khinalig’s defining features is the preservation of its seasonal pastoral traditions, including the ancient practice of migration between summer and winter pastures. During the summer months, residents graze livestock on the subalpine meadows of the nearby Caucasus Mountains; in winter, they move to pastures located some 200 kilometres away.

In recognition of this extensive cultural heritage, the protected area was expanded in 2023 and redesignated as the “Khinalig and Migration Route” State Historical, Cultural and Ethnographic Reserve. In the same year, taking into account its outstanding universal value, the entire cultural landscape was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Icherisheher (The Old City)

As you wander through Icherisheher - inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2000 - take time to lose yourself in the labyrinth of its cobbled lanes, where the ancient city walls seem to whisper stories of centuries past. Though the narrow alleys may appear bewildering at first glance, their layout once served clear strategic purposes: twisting passages lead towards the Maiden Tower, historic mosques, traditional bathhouses and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, while rooftop cafés offer sweeping views across the city, the Bay of Baku and the glow of sunset over the Caspian.

Visitors can savour traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in the many restaurants tucked within the Old City’s walls. No visit would be complete without stepping inside the Maiden Tower, a cherished symbol of both Baku and the country as a whole. Rising on the southern edge of Icherisheher and overlooking the sea, the tower presents a scene both enigmatic and compelling. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery - the date of its construction, its original purpose and even the reason behind its evocative name continue to intrigue historians and visitors alike.

Seen from above, the tower’s outline is said to resemble the buta, the iconic Azerbaijani ornamental motif. According to one theory, as the buta symbolises fire, the structure may once have served as a Zoroastrian temple.

In the 12th century, the Maiden Tower was used by the Shirvanshahs as a defensive stronghold.

Red Settlement

Distinguished by its red-tiled rooftops, the village of Girmizi Gesebe (Red Settlement) is widely regarded as the last remaining shtetl (Jewish settlement) in the world. Situated opposite the town of Guba on the northern bank of the Gudyalchay River, the settlement, also known as Krasnaya Sloboda, is a unique place to visit. Its residents are Mountain Jews, who have lived in the Guba region for centuries.

Founded in the mid-18th century, the settlement developed under the protection of the Guba Khanate and became a distinct yet close-knit community of Mountain Jews. Over the centuries, it has preserved its culture, traditions and the Juhuri language.

The Museum of Mountain Jews offers insight into the history and heritage of the local community. The settlement is also home to a synagogue and a visitor centre providing informative and engaging resources for guests.

Tomb of the Prophet Noah (Nakhchivan)

Since the Middle Ages, local beliefs and folklore across the Caucasus have associated Nakhchivan with the burial place of the Prophet Noah. According to tradition, after the Great Flood, Noah spent his final days in this region and was laid to rest in a mausoleum bearing his name.

The tomb is constructed in the style of medieval Islamic architecture, reflecting the distinctive religious architectural tradition of Nakhchivan. It is no coincidence that numerous place names and local legends in the region are linked to the Prophet Noah.

Local tradition also holds that Noah’s Ark struck the summit of Mount Ilandagh in Nakhchivan, splitting it in two - a legend said to have given rise to the mountain’s earlier name, “Hachadagh” (“Split Mountain”). The Ark is further believed to have first come to rest near the peak of Mount Gapijiq.

More broadly, Nakhchivan is home to several sites connected, in local belief, to narratives mentioned in both the Bible and the Qur’an.

Beshbarmag Mountain State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve

Beshbarmag Mountain, located in the territory of Galashikhi village in the Siyazan district, is regarded as a site of considerable natural, historical and cultural significance for Azerbaijan.

Situated near the Caspian Sea coast, the mountain is traditionally associated with the Prophet Khidr, and the shrine at its summit has been revered by Azerbaijanis as a sacred place for centuries.

Viewed from the east or west, the mountain’s rocky outcrops resemble the five fingers of a human hand, hence the name “Beshbarmag”, meaning “Five Fingers”.

The area is home to traces of ancient settlements, the Beshbarmag defensive wall - attributed to the 5th–6th centuries and believed to have been built by the Sasanians to guard against northern tribes - as well as medieval fortress remains, a Bronze Age necropolis, archaeological monuments and historic cemeteries featuring distinctive gravestones.

Beshbarmag Mountain also lies along a key migratory route used by birds travelling from north to south, making it a site of particular interest to ornithologists. The narrow plain between the mountain and the Caspian Sea forms a natural bottleneck for migrating species, creating favourable conditions for birdwatching. Taken together, these features make the area an attractive destination for both eco-tourism and archaeological tourism.

In recognition of its outstanding value as a site of cultural heritage and national history, the “Beshbarmag Mountain” State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve was established in 2020, encompassing the mountain and its surrounding areas.

The site is regarded both as a place of spiritual pilgrimage and as an appealing destination for nature-based tourism.

Baku Boulevard

Established in 1909, Baku Boulevard has long been a favourite place of recreation for the city’s residents. Gradually extended and landscaped over the years, the promenade today offers a welcome respite from the pace of urban life, framed by generous greenery and ever-changing views of the city and the Caspian shoreline.

More than simply a scenic seafront, Baku Boulevard is a lively public space featuring cafés, restaurants, cultural and entertainment venues, as well as open areas designed for walking, cycling and relaxation. The blend of landscaped parks, coastal vistas and an active social atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat without ever leaving the heart of the city.

On the Bayil stretch of the Boulevard, beyond Flag Square, visitors will find the world’s first “Surakhani” Ship-Museum, alongside the YARAT Centre for Contemporary Art and the Museum of 20th–21st Century Azerbaijani Painting.

“Little Venice”

“Little Venice”, located on Baku Boulevard, is a decorative leisure complex featuring man-made canals and bridges. Visitors can enjoy short boat rides along the waterways, relax in nearby cafés and restaurants, and take in views of the Boulevard. In the evening, when illuminated, the area takes on a particularly atmospheric and inviting character.

Alongside the attractive views of the city, visitors can unwind with a refreshing drink or a traditional tea service, and even capture the moment with the help of an on-board photographer to preserve a lasting souvenir of their visit.

Khizi Mountains

One of Azerbaijan’s most scenic routes branches west from the Baku-Guba highway, stretching some 40 kilometres towards the mountain village of Altiaghaj. Roughly halfway along the road, travellers pass through a striking valley framed by hills patterned in vivid bands of red, orange, pink and chalky white.

The British travel writer Mark Elliott, author of the well-known Azerbaijan guidebook, famously dubbed them the “Candy Cane Mountains” - a name that has since gained popularity among visitors. The unusual colouring is said to result from groundwater altering the oxidation levels of iron compounds within the rock, creating the distinctive striped effect.