Guide: all countries » Azerbaijan » Baku » Cultural sights

Culture of Baku. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Baku Maiden Tower remains the most famous symbol and tourist attraction in Baku. The magnificent tower is located in the eastern part of the ancient Icheri Sheher Castle. The tower is a unique architectural landmark that cannot be found in any other city in the world. Maiden Tower was built on a high rock, and limestone was the main material in for the building. The height of the cylindrical tower is 28 meters, and the thickness of its walls reaches 5 meters. There is quite an interesting fact about the tower – scientists still cannot identify the exact age of the gorgeous construction. The initial purpose of the tower is also not known. Starting from the 12th century, Maiden Tower was a part of the city’s protective facilities.
Best hotel choice for romantic escape, wedding or honeymoon in Baku
You can choose a hotel for romantic vacations in Baku for every taste and budget. Ramada Baku Hotel is deservedly popular among wealthy tourists. This luxurious resort has a private beach. … Open
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is one more important architectural landmark of Baku. The gorgeous complex is located on a high hill. The first palace appeared on that site yet at the beginning of the 15th century. Murad's Gate is considered the latest building of the complex. The building of the gate ended in 1585. During an excursion in the gorgeous palace complex, tourists will explore winding corridors and then go up to one of the observation decks, from which they will be able to enjoy a fantastic panorama of the city. It is also possible to see the ruins of an ancient bath not far from the gate.
Many landmarks in Baku have religious origin. Palace Mosque is an important excursion destination of the capital. It was built in the 15th century as a part of the Shirvanshahs Palace. Spacious and richly decorated halls, shiny cupolas, and praying areas decorated in full accordance with all traditions make the mosque truly irresistible. It would be a mistake not to mention Towers of Absheron in the list of the most prominent landmarks in Baku. The fabulous towers were built on the peninsula in the period from the 11th to the 13th century. For many years, the complex of towers protected the peninsula from invaders. Towers of Absheron also provided a temporary shelter for feudals. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Shopping in Baku - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques
Colourful markets of Baku are a real sight. Green Market is the most famous and popular one. This is where you should go in search of the best fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products … Open
When it comes to Baku museums, tourists will find it interesting to attend the National Museum of Azerbaijan Literature, the opening of which took place in 1945. Nowadays, spacious halls of the museum keep a number of interesting collections – old documents, books, and personal items of famous Azerbaijan writers. In 1982, famous House-Museum of Bulbul started working in the city. Virtually right from the opening, it has become very popular with numerous visitors of Baku. The exhibition of the museum is dedicated to science achievements and also has a hall with works of outstanding pedagogics personalities. A part of the museum is dedicated to a collection of photographs and personal items of Bulbul.
Rug weaving has always been one of the most important crafts in the Caucasus. First mentions of it belong to the medieval times. In several cave complexes of the region, archeologists discovered fragments of knotted carpets that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Azerbaijan State Carpet Museum, which is also known under the name “State Museum of Azerbaijan Carpet and Applied Art”, is the right place to know more about carpet weaving. The museum exhibits the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world and features carpets and rugs made in different techniques and from different materials. It also exhibits the collection of the Shusha Museum of History from the city with the same name.
Guide to Baku sightseeing - things to see and to visit
The name of the capital of Azerbaijan can be translated as “the city of winds”. This is a wonderful resort located on the border of Europe and Asia. Primorsky Boulevard is known as the … Open
Tourists will like an excursion to Azerbaijan State Museum of History that is also the largest museum in the country. The museum is open in a beautiful mansion that was constructed in the 19th century. Tourists with children might like another museum more. Baku Museum of Miniature Books is a very interesting and unique place that will excite the whole family. The only museum dedicated to miniature books in the world was opened in the capital in 2002 in the Inner City, the old part of Baku. The core collection of the museum was collected by enthusiasts during more than 30 years. Currently, the Museum of Miniature Books exhibits more than 6500 books brought from 64 countries in the world. Rare editions of classy works by internationally famous writers look truly mesmerizing.
Baku, Azerbaijan Nagorny (Upper) Park is another pleasant place in the capital of Azerbaijan. There is a lot of greenery here, where you can take shade from the scorching sun. In addition to this, since the park is located on a mountain, beautiful views of the sun-drenched Baku which seems so close and yet so distant at the same time, open up from here. The views are simply remarkable. However, the views of the Olympic Stadium are stunning from a bird’s view. It was built in 2015 for the European Games slated for June 2015 and the FIFA World Cup in 2020. In the evening, the stadium is remarkably illuminated, giving a special romance to the city.
Family holidays with kids in Baku. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.
There are so many interesting entertainments for children in Baku, and a visit to the Ferris wheel is a must for the guests of the city. It is located on the coast. From the Ferris wheel, … Open
It is also worth noting that a large number of interesting sculptural compositions are located within the territory of the capital of Azerbaijan, and it would be a pleasure to locate them. These include monuments to famous personalities, memorials, and entertaining sculptural compositions. An interesting fact worth mentioning is that Baku is one of the places where Zoroastrianism originated – there is even a Temple of fire worshipers here. Nevertheless, besides the monument of Zoroastrianism, the Synagogue of the Ashkenazi Jews and the Russian Orthodox Church of Michael the Archangel, are situated the city. There is as well, the Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral – Baku is such a tolerant city.
Azerbaijan Democratic Republic monument in Baku There are many beautiful mosques in the city. One of such, the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, was built in the second half of the 13th century. It was however destroyed in 1936, and only in 1999 was it restored. At one time, it was visited by famous personalities, as she was famous outside of Azerbaijan. Heydar Aliyev’s mosque has an impressive size – it is much bigger than the Bibi-Heybat mosque. This mosque was named in honor of the former president of the country and was built in 2014. In the evening, the religious monument is beautifully illuminated in the style of modern buildings. A few words should be said about the historical monument “Ramana Castle”. The fortress was constructed in the 14th century, and beautiful views open up on the fortification from the hill.
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Originality and distinctive character are the main peculiarities of the national Baku cuisine. Many traditional dishes are cooked in strict accordance with old recipes. All rules and … Open
By the way, among the modern and futuristic constructions in the city, it is worth mentioning Flaming towers. The best views of the towers can be beheld from the waterfront, especially in the evening when they are beautifully illuminated. The construction of skyscrapers was completed in 2012, with the tallest tower having a height of 182 meters. They are named so (Flame towers) because it seems as if they are forming tongues of flame. Statehood is much held in high esteem in the capital of Azerbaijan, so much so that there is a National Flag Square here. It is true you cannot get here since the state flag is guarded. Nevertheless, you could admire the beautifully waving flag from a distance by all means.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Baku and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Baku and surroundings

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Iconic cultural sights of Azerbaijan

The Old City (or Iceri Seher) is the place where history lives. The ancient ensemble is located above the Caspian Sea and is protected by a durable wall that is more than eight meters high. The wall has more than two dozens of turrets and five gates. The capital of Azerbaijan grew from this ancient quarter. This is a unique and important landmark of Baku, so wonder why it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Old City is one of the first landmarks in the country that was added to this honorable list. … Open
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Baku
♥   Palace 'Palace of the Shirvanshahs' , 5.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Baku and around
♥   Art museum 'Baku Museum of Modern Art' Baku, 2.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'National Art Museum of Azerbaijan' Baku, 5.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Baku

Yerevan
The fortress was founded more than two thousand years ago. Not far from the ruins, there is Erebuni Fortress Museum that exhibits priceless findings of archaeologists. Ancient coins, clay items, elegant bronze jewelry, glass, and decorative stones – the museum’s ... Open »
Astrakhan
All city streets originally started at "Torgovaya Square" and went either to the fortress or to the south. Belyiy gorod, together with its narrow streets, merchants' houses, drawing yards and the Admiralty, has been preserved almost completely. Walking along it is a ... Open »
Yessentuki
Travelers who do not imagine rest without hiking through cultural centers should definitely visit the Museum of Local Lore. A significant part of its exposition is dedicated to the tragic period of the Great Patriotic War, as well as finds of archaeologists and ... Open »
Ashgabat
In the city center, you will find one of the most amazing cultural centers in the region - the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet. This museum was established in 1993 and is now the only museum of its kind in the world. It is dedicated to the art of crafting Turkmen ... Open »
Baghdad
Hundreds of priceless exhibits are currently displayed in 20 galleries. During the war period, the museum lost many valuable exhibits. Fortunately, when the war ended, it was possible to return many of them. Of great interest are ancient jewelry and precious ... Open »
Volgograd
Old Sarepta is one of the few areas of the city, which managed to preserve the same shape centuries later. During a walk through the historic streets you can admire the century-old buildings that a hundred years ago belonged to the German colony. There are a lot of ... Open »
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