Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower in Azerbaijan

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2000
Size of heritage: 22 ha
- Buffer zone: 12 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 49,833°
Latitude: 40,367°

Summary

Built on a site inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, the Walled City of Baku reveals evidence of Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman, and Russian presence in cultural continuity. The Inner City (Icheri Sheher) has preserved much of its 12th-century defensive walls. The 12th-century Maiden Tower (Giz Galasy) is built over earlier structures dating from the 7th to 6th centuries BC, and the 15th-century Shirvanshahs' Palace is one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture.

Location on Map

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The Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower

The Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Apsheron peninsula in Azerbaijan. This historic site is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance of the region.

History

The history of the Walled City of Baku dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the area dating as far back as the Paleolithic period. Over the centuries, Baku has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Ottomans.

The construction of the city walls began in the 12th century during the rule of the Shirvanshahs, a dynasty that ruled over the region. The walls were built to protect the city from invasions and served as a defensive structure. The Maiden Tower, an iconic symbol of Baku, was also constructed during this period.

The Shirvanshah's Palace, located within the walled city, was built in the 15th century as a royal residence. It served as the seat of power for the Shirvanshah dynasty and was a center of political, cultural, and economic activities in the region.

Current State

The Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower is a well-preserved site that showcases the architectural grandeur of the past. The city walls, although partially destroyed over time, still stand as a reminder of the city's defensive past.

The Maiden Tower, standing at a height of 29.5 meters, is a cylindrical structure that has become an iconic symbol of Baku. It consists of several floors, each with its own unique architectural features. The tower now houses a museum that provides visitors with insights into the history and significance of the tower.

The Shirvanshah's Palace, with its intricate stone carvings and architectural details, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The palace complex includes a mosque, a mausoleum, a bathhouse, and other structures. It has been meticulously restored to its former glory and is open to the public as a museum.

The Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower is not only a tourist attraction but also a vibrant cultural hub. The surrounding area is filled with narrow streets, traditional houses, and bustling markets, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the locals.

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
1, NEFTCHILAR AVENUE
1095 Baki
Azerbaijan

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Shirvanshakhs' Palace, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Baku, Baku Region, Azerbaijan, Eurasia

Published: September 17, 2013
Length: 39:41 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Pietro Pecco

Palace of the Shirvanshahs is the biggest monument of the Shirvan-Absheron branch of the Azerbaijan architecture, situated in the Inner City of Baku. The complex contains the main building...