The city of Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan as well as the largest city in the country. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Situated on the shore of the Caspian Sea, Baku has a rich history and culture.
1. Maiden Tower: The Maiden Tower is a 12th-century monument located in the Old City of Baku. It is one of the most notable landmarks in Azerbaijan and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Palace of Shaki Khans: The Palace of Shaki Khans is a 18th-century palace located in Sheki, Azerbaijan. It was built by Caucasian Albanian architect Mehrali bey for Panah Ali Khan, the ruler of the khanate of Sheki.
3. Heydar Aliyev Center: The Heydar Aliyev Center is a government administration building in Baku, Azerbaijan. Designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, it is one of the most notable examples of contemporary architecture in the country.
4. Gobustan Petroglyphs: The Gobustan Petroglyphs are a collection of over 6,000 rock carvings and petroglyphs dating back to the 10th millennium BC. Located in the Gobustan National Park, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Mud Volcanoes: The Mud Volcanoes of Azerbaijan are a group of over 300 mud volcanoes. They are located in the Absheron Peninsula, east of the capital Baku.
6. Ateshgah Fire Temple: The Ateshgah Fire Temple is a Zoroastrian temple located in Surakhani, Azerbaijan. It was built in the 18th century by Indian Zoroastrians who had settled in the area.
7. Yanar Dag: Yanar Dag is a mountain on the Absheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan. It is notable for the natural gas fire that burns continuously on its slopes.
8. Nizami Street: Nizami Street is one of the main shopping streets in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is named after Azerbaijani poet and writer Nizami Ganjavi.
9. Fountains Square: Fountains Square is a public square in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the city and is known for its decorative fountains.
10. Flame Towers: The Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers in Baku, Azerbaijan. They are the tallest buildings in Azerbaijan and feature LED lights that give them their distinctive “flame” appearance.
11. Old City: The Old City is the historical core of Baku, Azerbaijan. It is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Maiden Tower and the Palace of Shaki Khans.
12. Baku Boulevard: The Baku Boulevard is a seafront promenade in Baku, Azerbaijan. It stretches for over 3 kilometers along the Caspian Sea and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
13. Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic: The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is an exclave of Azerbaijan located between Armenia, Iran and Turkey. It is home to some of the country’s most important historical and cultural landmarks, including the mausoleum of Turkish poet and philosopher Mevlana Rumi. These are only thirteen places out many others in Azerbaijan that are worth visiting! So if you ever find yourself in this region of the world, be sure to add Azerbaijan to your list of must-see destinations.