- About Azerbaijan
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Main information |
Baku is the capital of the Azerbaijan Republic. Located on the South-West of the Absheron Peninsula, it is the biggest city on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Baku is a cosmopolitan city with over two million people. The first historical reference to the city goes back to AD 885, although archaeological evidence indicates a much earlier date.
Up to the XIX-th century Baku existed within the Fortress walls, which is currently called how the Baku Fortress or “Icheri Sheher” (the Inner Town). It has reserved its lay - out and is really a museum in the open air, a treasury of the Medieval architecture, containing several tens of monuments. As a unique example of town planning art, “Icheri Sheher” was included into the UNESCO List of the Worlds Cultural Heritage.
Beginning with the end of the19 th c. Baku has become a pioneering force in the worlds Petroleum industry and has been turning into a big industrial center with oil production and oil refinery. These factors required new progressive architecture.
A new image of Baku has been formed. Around old fortress, you can see many-storied buildings, as fashionable mansions in different architectural styles: Moresque, Gothic, Barocco, Classic, Modern and others.
Today Baku is a city, recognized as the political, economic, scientific and cultural center of South Caucasus.
Baku is the largest industrial center. These are the oldest oil fields, the well-known Oil Stones, a unique factory of the deep-water bases, powerful crane vessels, modern floating chisel installations. Modern Baku is the city not only oil and petrol - chemistry, it is city of electrical engineers, mechanical engineering, instrument making and many other things the branches defining scientific and technical progress.
Baku is large transport unit. The leading place on a turnover of goods belongs to sea trading port. Baku is connected with many capitals and cities of the world by airlines.. Railways depart from Baku to Georgia, Russia, Iran. The capital of Azerbaijan owing to the geographical arrangement is the important center on crossing of the Great silk way.
Baku is the largest cultural center. In Baku you can get acquainted with magnificent samples of the West-European architecture of the end of XIX – beginnings of XX century, with remarkable samples of architecture of 30-80 years of XX century.
Nowadays Baku is a modern, dynamically developing city, center of international business in the Caspian region. Hotels, banks, travel agencies, cinemas, theatres, aquaparks, stadiums, sports complexes, the centers of rest and entertainments, innumerable restaurants with competitive pricing and a modern transport infrastructure will make your stay in Baku highly enjoyable.
Historical and archeological objects |
Old Baku "Icheri Shaher" is in the most ancient part of a fortified city the whole complex of unique ancient constructions. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The historical-architectural memorial estate includes: the city walls and gates (ХII-XVIII сс..), the Ansamble of Shirvanshakhs Palace (XV c.), the unique “Maiden Tower”(VI-XII cc.), Mohammed Ibn Abubekir Mosque (1078), other mosques, karavansarays (XIV-XVII cc.) , ancient narrow streets and houses of XIV- XIX cc.
Natural attractions |
"Mountain-Park" with panoramic views of the city and of the Baku Bay.
Baku Bay-"Seaside National Park - Boulevard" , where you can see:
Building of The Marine Passenger Station, "Parachute Tower» (h = 75 m), Fountain coming out from the surface of the sea, (h = 120 m), walking channels "Baku Venice", "Yacht Club" , Azerbaijani Mugham Center and the Center of Azerbaijan Carpet, Concert and Sports Complex" Baku-Crystal Hall".
Also interesting to visit:
City garden and a monument to the poet Mirza Alekper Sabir (Tagi-zade)
- Garden and a monument to the poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi
- “Filarmonic Garden” with magnifice fountain place
- The Garden and monument to the writer and educator Mirza Fyatali Ahundov
- “Khagani Garden” with fountains "Three Elements of Nature"
The magnificent architectural buildings and monuments of XIX-XX centuries |
The building «General Office of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic», the buildings of The Cabinet of Ministers and The Parliament of the AzerbaijanRepublic "Milli Mejlis", The TV tower (h = 310 m.), and a television center «AzTV», "Ring" way around "Icheri Sheher" (Niyazi St., Istiglaliet St., Aziz Aliyev St.,Neft avenue) replete with memorial buildings, built in Baku XIX-XX cc.
Buildings of the special interest: The Executive Power of Baku city, the Institute of Manuscripts of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences, the Museum of Azerbaijan Literature, a house of Bala Beg Gadzhinskiy and buildings of Puppet Theatre named after Abdullah Shaig, The State Oil Company SOCAR, and the Museum of Heydar charity, the Museum of Arts.named after Mustafayev, the State Philharmonic Holl.
In the same area of the city you can see the building "Palace of Happiness" / Wedding Palace/, built in the early twentieth century as a residential palace oilman Murtuza Mukhtarov "), a monument to the writer and enlightener Mirza Fatali Akhundov), " Azerbaijan " cinema and the monument to a female poetese of XIX c.- Khurshud Banu Natavan
Area "Sahil" near the metro station of the same name and the building of the Republican library, as well as old buildings with attractive architecture, which today houses the Writers' Union and the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan.
The so-called "Baku Theatre Way"
- The Opera and Ballet theatre
- Theatre of the Young Spectator
- Songs Theatre named after. Rashid Behbutov
Complex of buildings in the square at the Concert hall named after Heydar Aliyev
- The building of the State Academy of Music and the monument to the founder of Azerbaijani classical music composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov
- The modern building of the National Bank and new urban boulevard.
The building of the Azerbaijan Academic Theatre and monument to the poet-philosopher XVI c. Mohammed Fizuli
- Metro station "Nizami" and the monument to the famous Azerbaijani architect Zivyar Bey Ahmadbayov(ХIX-XX cc.)
- The area in front of the "Sabunchi Station" (commuter electric rail 1926) and a monument writer Jafar Jabbarli
- The buildings of the State Oil Academy
- Shopping center and cinema "May 28"
- The building Baku Railway Station of long-distance (1883) Business-center "Landmark" (formerly the city's main mill)
-Residential and administrative buildings in the style of "Art Nuove" on the street “ May - 28”
Мemorials
- The main town square "Azadlig"in the center of which stands the majestic building "Government House"
- Area "Flag" of the Republic, Flagstaff (h = 162 m)
- Place of burial Honors people of Azerbaijan "Fyahri Hiyabany"
- Walk-Memorial to victims of January 20, 1990 "Shyahidlyar Hiyabany"
- Memorial museum and Heydar Aliyev Foundation
- Monument "Liberated women's of Azerbaijan"
“Villa Petrolea “ - Baku Nobel Oil Club and the Nobel Brothers Museum- the first Nobel museum outside Sweden.
- House-museum of famous musicians Leopold and Mstislav Rostropovich
Muslim, Christian and Jewish temples
Main mosques
- Mosque "Teze Peer"
- "Blue mosque" ("The Mosque of Ashurbekov")
- Mosque "Imam Hussain"
- The Mosque "Haji Ali Soltan"
- Catholic churches
- Newly rebuilt Catholic Church "Blessed Virgin Mary"
- Building of former Polish Catholic Church (now - Pantomime Theatre)
Lutheran churches
Lutheran Cathedral "Big Kirch" (now Hall of organ and chamber music, as well as a meeting place lutheran community)
Lutheran Church "Small Kirch" (now "Kapellhaus")
Russian Christian Orthodox churches
- Cathedral of the Diocese of Baku and the Caspian
- Church "Myrrh-Bearers"
- Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- The Church of St. Michael the Archangel
Jewish Synagogues
- European Jews
- "Ashkenazi"
- Georgian Jews
- Mountain (Azerbaijan) Jews
- The building of the Monophysite Armenian Church "Magen David" ("Star of David")
Buildings and architectural complexes of the "New Age"
- Flame Towers - that's three high-rise buildings including a hotel, apartments and offices. (H = 157 m.)Lighting towers creates the effect of the torches, which corresponds to the coat of arms of Baku
- Landmark hotel
- Congress Center named after Heydar Aliyev
- The building of the National Bank of Azerbaijan
- Concert and sports complex "Baku Crystal Hall"
- The Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Village at the Heydar Aliyev Avenue
- The modern high-rise business and residential center "Baku port"
- New high-rise building of the State Oil Company «SOCAR»
Museums and exhibition halls, which more than 25, including:
- Museum of History of Azerbaijan
- Museum of Fine Art named after Mustafayev
- Museum of Azerbaijan Literature named after Nizami
- Museum of Azerbaijani national musical instruments
- Republican Manuscript Foundation
- Museum of Modern Art etс.
Main theatres , concert halls and recreational facilities
- Heydar Aliyev Palace
- Concert and sports complex "Baku Crystal Hall"
- Concert Hall of the State Philharmonic.
- Theatre of Opera and Ballet.
- Azerbaijan Academic Drama Theatre
- Theatre of the Young Spectator
- Russian drama theatre
- Musical Theatre
- Song Theatre
- Jazz Center
- Theatre of Pantomime
- Theatre "Uns"
- Nizami Cinema
- Baku Entertainment Center "B.E.M.".
- "Baku Paintball Center".
-”METKARTING” - sports and entertainment center
- ETX Lazer Strike
- Mega recreation center “HOLLYWOOD”
- LUNA PARK
- Shopping and entertainment center "Metro Park"
- Palace "Gulistan"
- Central Stadium. named after Tofik Bakhramov on the square "Galaba"
- Sports and Exhibition Complex in Tbilisi Avenue
Baku City Tour, 3 hours |
Tour usually starts in the main square of the capital - "Freedom Square" located in the city center near the Government House and Seaside Boulevard, or from the hotel where tourists are accommodated.
City tour of Baku includes:
- passage through the main streets and avenues of the modern part of Baku
- acquaintance with the architectural and sculptural monuments of the city (XIX- XX c.c.)
- visiting the Martyrs’ Alley memorial "Shyahidlyar Hiyabany"
- view on the panorama of Baku and Baku bay from the Mountain Park
- walking tour and acquaintance with the history and architectural heritage of the city (XIX- XX c.c.):
Nizami street ( shopping ),“Fountain Square”, Nizami Ganjavi monument, and Rasul-Zade street.
The tour price includes: transport service, guide service, entrance fees to the museums, drinking water 0.5 liters for each person.
Walking Tour in the Old Town, 3 hours |
- Sightseeing tour in medieval part of Baku the “Old City” and acquaintance with their architecture monuments VII- XVI c.c, many of which has global significance and are protected by UNESCO. This is the ancient fortress walls and defensive towers (XV-XV1 c.c.) of inner city; unique royal complex of “Shirvanshakhs’ Palace” (XV c.c.- under UNESCO protection),; Mohammad's mosque – (XI c.c.), and Broken tower “Sinikh Qala”(ХI c.c.); Temple tower the legendary “Gyz Galasi” (Maiden Tower VII – ХII c.c. - the oldest construction of Baku under UNESCO protection); medival bath and “Market Square” ( XV – XV1 c.c.);old houses; complex of caravanserais “Bukhara” (XVI c.) and “Multani” (XIV c.). Visiting carpet, souvenir and antique shops and salons.
The tour price includes: guide service, entrance fees to the museums, drinking water 0.5 liters for each person.
Walking at night Baku "Evening Tale" (1.5 - 2 hours) |
- Passage through the main streets and squares, observing light-musical fountains, evening panorama of the city
- Passage through the main streets and avenues of the modern part of Baku
-acquaintance with the architectural and sculptural monuments of the city (XIX- XX c.c.)
- visiting the Martyrs’ Alley memorial "Shyahidlyar Hiyabany"
- view on the panorama of Baku and Baku bay from the Mountain Park
The tour price includes: transport service, guide service, entrance fees to the museums, drinking water 0.5 liters for each person.
Weekend in Baku |
Day 1, Friday | Arrival in Baku Transfer to the hotel.Accommodation at the hotel Breakfast in hotel 11:00-15:30 Sightseeing tour in Baku with visiting and viewing of the historical and architectural monuments of the city. You will see a panoramic view of the city and Baku Bay from the Mountain Park, viewing the medieval part of the city "Icheri Sheher" / "Inner City" /, fortress walls, the main gate of the city "Gosha Gala Gapi"/ Pairs Gate/, "Shirvanshakh Palace", the temple tower "Giz Galasi" / "Maiden tower "/, medieval baths, caravanserais, handicraft workshops, carpets and antique shops and other places. Lunch at local restaurant (paid by guests) 16:30-18:00 You will enjoy the boat excursions (1 hour) on the sea in Baku Bay (under favorable windless weather), splendid panoramic view of Baku from the sea, as well as the walking along the seaside boulevard and the central part of the city. Free time Return to hotel |
Day 2, Saturday | Breakfast at hotel 11:00-13:00 Visit to Heydar Aliyev Center Heydar Aliyev Center is a modern cultural center built in Baku. In The structure of this center, which is a pearl of world architecture, with accuracy was considered an architectural flavor of Baku. The architect of this center is a world-renowned British architect Zaha Hadid. The complex is located at the Heydar Aliyev Avenue. Construction started in 2007 year. Opening of the culture centre was held on May 10 of 2012. Its total area is equal to 15.93 hectares, where 2 hectares occupy main buildings and other structures, and 13.58 hectares - landscaped grounds. Heydar Aliyev Center consists of located in one place three structures and interconnected with each other. The total area of complex 101 800 square meters. The structure includes a museum, a center of cultural heritage in the area of 10,854 square meters, a conference hall for 985 people, and a multi-purpose hall with the area of 27.880 sq.m, library and media center with area of 12,920 sq.m. The total usable area equal is to 6,039 sq.m. 13:00-14:00 Lunch at local restaurant (paid by guests) 14:00-18:00 Excursion to National Historical-Art Reserve "Gobustan", located in the south-eastern foothills of the Greater Caucasus (75 km. from Baku). There are more than 5,000 rock carvings, signs and inscriptions left by the artists of the Paleolithic- Mesolithic period. You will see manifestations of mud volcanism on Mount Dashgil, old oilfields in the area of "Bibi Kheybat", admire the panorama of floating offshore oil rigs and platforms. Back to Baku and sightseeing excursion by cars "Night lights of Baku". Itinerary - "Azadlig square" - Academy of Music - Palace named after Heydar Aliyev, R.Beybutov street, Bakihanov street, Inshaatchilar Avenue and Square named after Huseyin Javid, stopping near the monument of Nariman Narimanov to view panorama of evening Baku, Istiglaliyat street, Niyazi Street, Neftchilar (Oil Workers) avenue. Return to hotel. |
Day 3 Sunday | Breakfast in hotel, check out 09:30 Visiting the oriental bazaar, shopping 11:00-14:00 Sightseeing tour in Absheron peninsula: - observe natural gas outlets (Yanar Dag – “Burning Mountain”) - Atashgah Fire-Worshippers’ Temple (XVII c.) is located in Surakhany village (25 km from Baku). It is built on the site of the "eternal inextinguishable flames”. Tthese structures were built one after another for a century and a half, since the late XVIIth to the mid - XIXth c.c. Chapel, monastic cells, a small caravanserai, a central rotunda and other buildings. Transfer to airport |
Price includes:
- Breakfasts
- Transport service
- Guide service
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water (0,5l.) during tour
- Accommodations