Azerbaijan is a country in the Caucasus region facing the Caspian Sea. Ganja is the second largest city after the capital Baku and serves as the inland center of the country, contrasting with coastal Baku. Said to have been established around the 5th century, Ganja is home to many historical attractions and is considered a relatively tourist-friendly city. This time, we have carefully selected 5 recommended tourist spots in Ganja to introduce to you.
1. Nizami Mausoleum
Nizami Ganjavi was a poet born in Ganja who was active in the 12th century and is considered to have had a major influence on classical Persian literature through the late 15th century. He especially excelled in romantic and tragic love stories, and his works are registered in UNESCO's Memory of the World.
Nizami’s tomb, located in the suburbs of Ganja, fell into ruin by the 19th century, and the mausoleum rebuilt in the mid-20th century collapsed again by the late 1980s. The current Nizami Mausoleum was newly constructed in 1991.
A cylindrical monument stands tall on vast land that spans the national highway, and on its side are metal sculptures commemorating his epics. As a prominent historical figure from the region, Nizami’s mausoleum is a popular spot frequently visited by locals.
Name: Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum
Address: R51, Ganja
Official/Related Website URL: https://azerbaijan.travel/en/place/129-the-nizami-ganjavi-mausoleum
2. Juma Mosque
Located in the center of Ganja city, the Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque) is a historic building established in 1606. It was built during the reign of Shah Abbas of the Safavid Persian Empire and is also known as Shah Abbas Mosque.
What immediately catches the eye are the two elegant minarets with blue lighthouse-like tops! These towers were added in 1776 and give the mosque a refined silhouette that combines Islamic architecture with European and Asian influences.
Renovated entirely in 2008, the Juma Mosque is also a popular sightseeing destination in Ganja. However, since it is a place of worship, please be sure to observe proper manners and rules when visiting.
Name: Juma Mosque
Address: Shah Ismayil Khetayi Ave, Ganja
Official/Related Website URL: https://bit.ly/2Kxjych
3. Khan's Garden
Khan's Garden, a green oasis for Ganja residents, is a historic park that opened in 1847. It was originally the garden of Javad Khan, the last ruler of the Ganja Khanate. A lover of nature, he commissioned merchants visiting Ganja to bring various rare plants.
As a result, the garden is filled with tropical plants that one would hardly expect in a place at this latitude! Walking along the tiled paths, you might forget you're in the Caucasus region. Conveniently located in the city center, it's perfect for a casual visit during shopping or a stroll.
Name: Khan's Garden
Address: Gala street, Ganja
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.visions.az/en/news/389/02c3c44e/
4. Javad Khan Street
Starting near the Juma Mosque, Javad Khan Street is a shopping street comparable to Ginza or Harajuku in Tokyo. The wide pedestrian-only road is lined with stylish shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Many buildings around Javad Khan Street were constructed during the 19th-century Russian Empire era, making this area historically significant. The beautifully tiled, winding path is enjoyable to walk even without a specific destination.
Name: Javad Khan street
Address: Javad Khan, Ganja
Official/Related Website URL: https://bit.ly/33hbTYl
5. Lake Göygöl
Ganja also boasts beautiful attractions in its outskirts. About 30 km south of the city lies Lake Göygöl, one of 19 lakes formed by the massive earthquake of 1139. Though not large, the lake captivates with its high transparency and deep blue color.
The lakeside area features hotels and cottages, making it a popular retreat. Whether dining with a scenic view of the forest and lake or quietly relaxing by the shore, there are many ways to enjoy your visit. Note that the lake is within Göygöl National Park, and foreign visitors may need permission, so be sure to inquire with a local travel agency in advance.
Name: Lake Göygöl
Address: Goygol Lake, Xanlar Area, Xanlar
Official/Related Website URL: https://bit.ly/2ZK80ZI
◎ Summary
In addition to the attractions listed, Ganja also offers sites like the Chokak Bathhouse built around the same time as the Juma Mosque, the tomb of Javad Khan, and the National Puppet Theatre resembling a cathedral. Getting to Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, takes about 13 hours from Narita via transfers in the Middle East or Russia. From Baku to Ganja, it’s about a 1-hour flight. You can also continue by train or bus into Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. When traveling the Caucasus region, be sure to include Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, Ganja, in your itinerary.