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.