The Republic of Azerbaijan is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and cultures. Located in the old town of Baku, known as the “City of Winds,” the Walled City of Baku, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Maiden Tower was the first site in Azerbaijan to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historically prosperous as a key hub along the Silk Road, Baku experienced further growth in the late 19th century with the discovery of large oil fields. Today, the city continues to thrive on oil and natural gas. The exotic old town of Baku retains many historical structures and offers numerous attractions. Let’s delve into the charm of this Azerbaijani World Heritage Site: The Walled City of Baku, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Maiden Tower!
What Are the Walled City of Baku, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Maiden Tower?
The Republic of Azerbaijan is nestled between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. It borders Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. A land of intermingled ethnicities, Azerbaijan boasts a unique culture and diverse landscape.
The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku, situated along the Caspian Sea. The name "Baku" means “City of Winds” in Persian, due to the strong, distinctive winds that blow from the Caspian Sea. The UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Walled City of Baku, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Maiden Tower” is located in Baku’s old town. Known in Azerbaijani as "Icheri Sheher," which means "Inner City," the old town is enclosed by defensive walls. Originally surrounded by double walls, only the inner wall remains today.
The old town still preserves its medieval cityscape, with historical buildings and narrow, winding alleyways that evoke a nostalgic charm. In 2000, the Old City of Baku was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “The Walled City of Baku, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Maiden Tower.”
Name: The Walled City of Baku, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Maiden Tower
Address: Baku, Azerbaijan
Official/Related Site URL: http://whc.unesco.org/ja/list/958
Access to the Walled City of Baku, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Maiden Tower
You can enter via Heydar Aliyev International Airport by transiting through cities like Doha (Qatar Airways), Moscow (Aeroflot Russian Airlines), or other Middle Eastern cities.
To reach downtown Baku from the airport, a taxi or the airport bus is recommended. The airport bus operates 24 hours a day and takes about 30 minutes to reach the final stop in central Baku.
Recommended Spot #1: The Palace of the Shirvanshahs
One of the highlights of Baku’s old town is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, the Shirvanshah Dynasty ruled this area. In the 15th century, they moved their capital to Baku and constructed a new palace, now regarded as a masterpiece of Azerbaijani architecture.
The palace complex includes a royal mausoleum, Divankhana (audience hall), harem, hamam (bathhouse), mosque, and more. Parts of the palace now serve as a museum and are open to the public. Although the palace was once listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger due to the 2000 Baku earthquake, it has since undergone extensive restoration.
Recommended Spot #2: The Maiden Tower
Located in the old town of Baku, the Maiden Tower was originally built in the 5th century BCE as a Zoroastrian temple. It was later reconstructed in the 12th century as part of the city’s fortifications. Standing 30 meters tall, this watchtower has become a symbol of the old city and is affectionately known by locals as “Giz Galasi.”
The name "Maiden Tower" comes from a legend in which a Mongol king who ruled the area tried to force a princess into marriage. The princess, unwilling to accept her fate, threw herself from the tower into the Caspian Sea.
Although the tower is now slightly inland, legend holds that the shoreline once reached directly beneath it. The sturdy tower houses a museum inside, and visitors can climb its 128-step spiral staircase to reach the top. From there, you get a panoramic view of both the Caspian Sea and Baku’s old town. In 2000, the Maiden Tower was inscribed alongside the Walled City of Baku and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
◎ Summary
The Walled City of Baku, rich in historical buildings and cultural layers, is a captivating destination where Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam intertwine. The magnificent Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the tragic legend of the Maiden Tower, and the beautifully preserved old cityscape registered as a World Heritage Site all add to its appeal. Baku, once a flourishing port city, still holds many historical landmarks and tourist attractions. Be sure to visit Baku, Azerbaijan!