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.