If you are planning to visit Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, you can only be envied. There is so much to see in this city! The sights of Baku are numerous, and it will take more than a day or two to get acquainted with them. We recommend spending at least a week here. A brief description of the most interesting places will not replace sightseeing tours and long walks around the city, but will allow you to make the best route and decide which places you want to visit first.

Sea side boulevard

Primorsky Boulevard is very long, not everyone is able to walk it from end to end – its length is 16 km. And yet, you must visit here. This boulevard is more than 100 years old, and during the walk you can see many sights. This is a wonderful fountain that has no analogues in the world. In the evenings, it will please you with a light and music performance. “Ferris wheel”, allowing you to admire the city from a bird's eye view, children‘s theater, and much more.

The creation and arrangement of the Seaside Boulevard in the capital of Azerbaijan began in 1909. The best specialists were engaged in the project and directly in the work. The implementation of the architects' plan into reality took about 2 decades. In the 2000s, the boulevard gained a second life – during the reconstruction it was given a modern look. In addition, many ornamental plants bloom and smell fragrant here, so that a significant part of the boulevard resembles a garden. Children will love Bulsur Amusement Park. There are also many cafes where you can taste Azerbaijani dishes.

Old city of Icheri Sheher

Only here, in the oldest part, you can feel the spirit of this city. At the same time, you will feel as if you were in a fairy tale, or were transported by a time machine several centuries ago. It was here that the once exotic “abroad”, an overseas city, was filmed, into which the heroes of the film “The Diamond Arm” fall. Narrow streets and high walls – once here, you can also get lost, so it's better to stock up on a map of the Old Town in advance.

Icheri Sheher is located on a hill, it is surrounded by massive fortress walls, the height of which exceeds 8 m. People have lived in these places with a favorable climate since ancient times, already in the 1st century AD. ships landed here, later handicraft and trade began to actively develop here, and it was here that the ruler Shirvanshah established his residence. Then the fortress walls appeared. You will see caravanserais and mosques, ancient baths and Market Square. In addition, there are masterpieces of architecture – the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden's Tower. In short, you can spend the whole day here.

Maiden's Tower

An interesting building, which is located on the territory of the old city. Moreover, scientists still have not been able to determine the exact age of the tower. According to various versions, it was erected between 1 and 12 AD. The height of the tower is 28 m, the diameter is 16 m. The walls are very thick – up to 5 m. There are 8 tiers inside, there is also a well. There is still no consensus on what the tower was built for. Some scientists believe that it was a religious building. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that on the day of the winter equinox, the rising luminary casts rays into the central window of the tower.

It is assumed that people at that time worshiped the sun or fire. In the Middle Ages, the tower played the role of an impregnable fortress, and then became a lighthouse. A beautiful legend tells of a girl who threw herself off a tower to escape her own father's harassment. Today there is a museum here, where you can see archaeological finds, get acquainted with virtual books that tell about the tower. And at the very top there is an observation deck, from where a wonderful view of the city opens.

Little Venice Park

It's hard to believe, but having arrived in this corner, you can feel yourself in the most romantic city in Italy. Little Venice Park is part of the Seaside National Park. The complex includes 3 large islands and several small ones. Fountains, tunnels and bridges – all this is done with great taste, and the gondolas were really brought here from Italy. Manage them, as expected, gondoliers.

Would you like to sail through the canals of “Little Venice”? Such a trip will bring special pleasure to children and couples in love. There are restaurants and cafes in the park. Here you can try both Azerbaijani and European dishes.

upland park

Nagorny Park is one of the favorite places for recreation of Baku residents. Green alleys, observation decks with a view of the capital of Azerbaijan, secluded corners where you can relax – all this gives the park a unique charm. Once upon a time, English soldiers who died in Baku in 1918 were buried here. Only the memorial stone remains today. Another boulder is still covered in legends. It is believed that he heals women from infertility. Many Azerbaijani women came here, cherishing the hope of becoming a mother. Under Soviet rule, many objects appeared on the territory of the park.

A monument to Sergei Kirov was erected here. In 1960, a funicular appeared, with which you can climb to the observation deck. For a long time, attractions worked in the park, and the Green Theater became a local attraction. Built in the 60s, it was reconstructed in 2007, and in the summer you can watch performances by famous artists here. In the 80s of the 20th century, the Gulistan Palace was erected in the park.

And in 1990, those who died on Freedom Square were buried on the territory – more than 170 people. After that, the Eternal Flame was lit here, and various entertainment centers were removed from the park. But Upland Park still did not become a place of mourning. There are always a lot of tourists and locals who want to walk along the shady alleys.

Garden named after Khagani

This is one of the oldest parks in the city. It is small in size – up to 0.8 hectares, and its current name makes us turn to the memory of the Persian poet. The pearl of the garden is a pool with a sculptural group depicting graceful girls – “Three Graces”. Trees, shrubs and flower beds give the park a particularly elegant look. The park was laid out in the 19th century and was then called the Mariinsky.

It has become a real oasis in an arid city. New green plantings regularly appear here. During the years of Soviet power, the park was waiting for a new renaming, now it was called the “Garden of January 9”. After the Great Patriotic War, the “oasis” had to be restored. The current name of the park was given after Azerbaijan gained independence.

Baku Crystal Hall

This room is unforgettable. The history of its appearance is also remarkable. When Azerbaijani singers won Eurovision, and the next time Baku was supposed to host the contestants, they started building a new arena specifically for this. Another popular name for the hall is “Crystal Hall”. Its facade is made in the form of a mineral with facets.

Thousands of LED lamps are built into the steel structures, and at night the Crystal Hall literally shimmers with lights, and the spotlights installed on the roof draw bright rays of light resembling strings across the sky. The hall can accommodate up to 27 thousand people. And after Eurovision 2012, it has already hosted famous singers and artists many times, and prestigious competitions have also been held here. So it is possible that some amazing concert will take place in the Crystal Hall while you are resting.

Bath Gadzhi Gaib

The old bathhouse is located near the Maiden's Tower. Baths – or hammams – were very common in the East. Here people not only bathed, but also had unhurried conversations, made deals. Bath Haji Gaiba was built in the 15th century at the place where trade routes crossed. Time passed. The building was covered with sand, and if it were not for the archaeologists who discovered this landmark in the middle of the 20th century, no one would have known about its existence. Of course, today the bath is not working, but you can go in and inspect it from the inside, take photos.

It makes sense to come here even in the evening, as the bath is beautifully illuminated and looks especially impressive. There are 3 rooms inside the hammam. Entrance portal, a kind of hallway, dressing room and the bath itself. The latter is built in the shape of an octagon. The pools here had hot and cold water. The floors were heated by hot steam circulating through special channels under the tiles. After bathing in the locker room, they drank tea and talked.

Baku ferris wheel

Here it is called the “Eye of Baku”. Sitting in a cabin (gondola), you will rise 60 m. All gondolas are closed, they have air conditioning, so you can ride the attraction at any time – neither heat nor rain will interfere. And the view from here is simply breathtaking. An unusual Carpet Museum, the remains of an ancient fortress, houses and parks – the “Eye of Baku” will allow you to see everything.

In total, there are 30 gondolas on the wheel, each can accommodate up to 8 people. The period of complete rotation of the wheel takes up to 30 minutes. Construction of the wheel began in 2013. The project was developed by the Dutch company Dutch Wheels. In February 2014, the new attraction was successfully tested, and on March 10 the wheel was “launched”. Today the wheel is very popular. Children under 6 years old can ride the attraction for free.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

This is a real treasure of Azerbaijan. Moreover, tourists visit not only the palace itself, but also the whole complex, including the courtyard of the Divan Khane and the tomb, the mosque and the bathhouse, as well as the mausoleum of the court scientist. Construction took a long time. New buildings appeared here over the course of 3 centuries – from the 13th to the 16th century. However, the result is a very harmonious ensemble. The architects treated the work of their predecessors with care, and a real masterpiece came out.

To see the palace, you need to come to the old part of the city. The octagonal front hall has been preserved. You can also see spiral staircases and over 50 rooms. Finds of archaeologists were placed inside. A lot of them. These are weapons and utensils, jewelry and household items, musical instruments and coins. Even the famous Shemakha carpets survived. In general, the palace makes a grand impression, and you need to come here for the whole day. Moreover, there are enough cafes nearby to choose to your taste and have a snack.

Divan-khane is a small closed courtyard. In the center of it is an octahedral structure, its vault is supported by columns. The Middle Ages left many secrets. It is still not clear with regard to Divan Khana – what was the rotunda-pavilion used for? Was this place a mausoleum? Or was there a trial here? Or maybe they were conducting government negotiations? It seems that for the latter purpose, the place is most suitable. You can't approach the pavilion unnoticed, you can't eavesdrop… Perhaps Divan-Khane seems too modest – after all, now there are only stone slabs here.

But you need to imagine how it used to be, when handmade carpets lay here, servants silently glided, bringing tea and sweets to their masters. In short, history comes alive here. Another interesting place on the territory of the Shirvanshahs' palace is the mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi. Its other name is “Dervish Mausoleum”, it was built in the second half of the 15th century. To see the mausoleum, you need to go down the steep stairs, which is opposite the Divan Khane. At one time, Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi played a big role at the court, without him not a single important issue was resolved. But how!

After all, he was not only a philosopher and physician, but also a court astrologer. And people (including rulers) firmly believed that without the “approval of the stars” it was impossible to solve any important issue. You can enter a small opening, carefully go down and inspect the scientist's grave. Directly in the mausoleum itself, you will see an unusual interior, interesting vault paintings. If you speak loudly here, you will hear your echo. The arched passage used to lead to the mosque. Now it is gone, it burned down during the fire. Noble people were buried on the territory of the mausoleum. Many tombstones have been preserved.

Mukhtarov's Palace

There is a completely unusual building built in the Gothic style. Now the registry office is located here, and the house itself is called the “Palace of Happiness”. You need to come here not only to admire the handiwork of the architect Joseph Ploshko. The history of the city and romantic love are closely connected with this building. The local millionaire oilman Murtuza Mukhtarov married a girl from a noble Ossetian family, Lisa Tuganova. In Lisa's native Vladikavkaz, Murtuza built a mosque as a gift to the bride. And after the honeymoon trip, during which his wife liked one of the mansions in Venice, he gave her almost the same one in Baku.

Almost – because the architect executed it more in the French, and not in the Italian style. The Mukhtarovs became famous for their charity work. Much has been done by them for tuberculosis patients, for children from poor families. The couple had no children of their own. After the revolution and the “victorious march of Soviet power” many rich people left the city. Lisa Mukhtarov was also sent to a safe place. But for himself, he considered it cowardice to leave his native city.

Red Army soldiers came to him to confiscate the house. Mukhtarov ordered them to leave, and when they did not obey, he shot them with a revolver. He kept the last bullet for himself, but fired unsuccessfully, and suffered for several more days before his death. Lisa left her homeland, went to Marseille, and there her traces were lost. In the palace, first, the Club of the Liberated Turkic Woman was opened, then the museum-reserve and, finally, the Wedding Palace.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

This unusual museum was opened in 1967 in the Juma Mosque, which is located in Icheri Sheheri. In 1992, the mosque again became the spiritual center of Muslims, and the Azerbaijani Carpet Museum temporarily moved to the Museum Center. In 2008, they began to build their own building for him. Even if you look at it from afar, it is impossible to make a mistake, and it immediately becomes clear what is here. After all, even the appearance of the museum resembles a rolled carpet.

Moreover, the creations of the hands of skilled craftswomen are exhibited not only here. The collections have already visited dozens of countries around the world. Now the fund holds over 14 thousand exhibits. Among them there are truly unique carpets of the 17th and 18th centuries. You can also see many archaeological finds here. These are weapons and utensils, jewelry and embroidery, clothes and shoes. From the Bronze Age to the 19th. The museum stores samples of ornaments, a training center operates, and scientific work is carried out.

Museum of Azerbaijani Literature

The museum, founded in 1939, bears the name of the classic of Persian poetry Nizami Ganjavi. It is located in the city center, near Fountain Square, in a 19th-century building. The opening was timed to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the poet, and initially the museum was a memorial one. But then its expositions expanded, and it turned into a literary one. The facade of the building is decorated with sculptures of writers and poets. Inside, you can see almost 25,000 exhibits.

This is only what is exhibited, but the fund keeps several times more. These are manuscripts, rare printed editions, illustrations, miniatures. The most valuable exhibit can be called a manuscript of the 15th century. This is Nizami's poem “Iskander-name”. The museum has a bookstore where you can buy books not only in Azerbaijani, but also in Russian and English.

National Museum of Arts of Azerbaijan

A real treasury of Azerbaijan, because over 17 thousand works of art are stored here. The museum bears the name of Rustam Mustafayev, a theater artist. There are so many exhibits here that they simply did not fit in one building. Here you can see the works of Azerbaijani and Russian artists, painters from Europe and the Middle East. Initially, the Museum of Art was part of the State Museum, but in 1936 it was separated into a separate cultural institution.

In 1951, the “nomadic life” ended, the 19th century mansion was transferred to the museum. In 2013, the second building was opened – also in an old building. Today, the museum has 60 halls. In addition to paintings, you can see here the clothes of past centuries, handmade carpets, jewelry, metal products, dishes. Sculptures from ancient times are on display. There are also paintings by our famous compatriots – Rokotov, Aivazovsky, Levitan, Polenov and others. An interesting collection of works by Italian artists is also exhibited.

National Museum of the History of Azerbaijan

The Museum Excursus Department was opened in 1920, but it was not until 1969 that the expanded museum completely occupied the mansion in which it is located today. Previously, this house belonged to the industrialist Tagiyev. Here you can get acquainted with the history of the Azerbaijani people, and from ancient times. 150,000 coins, thousands of archeological finds, samples of weapons… There are unique gold items here, which are over 4,000 years old.

Stone Age communities, antiquity, the Middle Ages, Azerbaijan in the 18-19 centuries, the First World War, the genocide of 1918 – you can walk through the halls, looking at the exhibits, for hours. Much attention is paid to the development of the economy, education and culture. The memory of ancient customs is carefully preserved. You can also see Tagiev's memorial museum – the atmosphere of his apartment is recreated. The well-known philanthropist is called the “father of the nation” by Azerbaijanis themselves.

Modern Art Museum

The Museum of Modern Art was created with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Everything here is very unusual. The halls have no corners, the walls are tilted, the aisles are open, the metal beams, the structures… Everything seems to be moving here. The author of such a memorable design is Altai Sadykh-Zade. Pictures of those authors who were not honored by the Soviet authorities are carefully stored and exhibited, their works at that time could simply die.

Here are presented the works of innovative artists of the 60-70s of the last century, as well as the creations of contemporary painters. But at the same time, there are also paintings by Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso. There are a lot of paintings, but if you get tired, there is also a restaurant and cafe in the museum. There is also an exhibition of children's works, a hall for showing films, a library and even a bookstore where you can buy very good books on art.

Museum of Miniature Books

This museum is located in 1-Zamkovy Lane and occupies only one hall. But you can visit it for free, despite the fact that it is famous. For several years it appeared in the Guinness Book of Records – there was the largest collection of miniature books in the world. All exhibits belong to Zarifa Salakhova. Here you can see “Krylov's Fables”, editions of 1835 – the collection began with them. As well as books donated to the owner of the museum by prominent artists.

The collection has traveled all over the world, even Australia. A very interesting publication is the President's Oath. This text was spoken by Heydar Aliyev, it is given in 3 languages in the book. In total, the museum was visited by about 400 thousand people. There are 8700 miniature books on display here. There are even microbooks smaller than 1 cm.

Workshop of Ali Shamsi

If you don't visit this place, you will definitely regret it. There is a tree on Kichik-Gala street that is already 90 years old. It was fading. But the artist Ali Shamsi, in moments of inspiration, painted three female faces on it. And people began to approach the tree, hug it, take pictures. And suddenly the old tree turned green.

Uncle Ali says that this happened because we need to share our good power with each other. You can always go to this workshop and chat with the master. He will be very happy. However, sometimes people behave badly. Not just looking around. But sometimes they stick their hand into the paint, and then wipe it on the picture. Or steal some thing from the workshop.

Ali Shamsi has accumulated a lot of things here over the years. He brings souvenirs from distant countries, finds curiosities in the ruins of ancient buildings. But despite such incidents, the master still loves guests. There are days when hundreds of people come to the workshop a day. Among those who visited the workshop are the soloist of a fashionable German rock band, foreign artists, even an astronaut. Each item in the workshop is filled with warmth, each has a soul. And the master is waiting for you.

Funicular

Tourists perceive the funicular as entertainment, and local residents as a mode of transport. If you want to visit the observation deck and look around the city from a height, then you are here. Departure – from the square on Neftchilar Avenue. The station is a small glass pavilion. After getting off at the top stop, you can go to the Flame Towers and the observation deck located in Upland Park.

You can admire the city already during the trip, because the wagons offer an amazing view of both the city and the Caspian Sea. The funicular opened in 1960. On old postcards you can see what trailers and stations were like at that time. Modernization was carried out in the 2000s. Among other advantages, it should be noted that after it the funiculars became quieter.

flame towers

These unusual ultra-modern buildings have become a symbol of the city, and are reminiscent of the architectural masterpieces of the UAE. “Three tongues of flame” can be seen from anywhere in the city. In the evening they are beautifully illuminated, and really look like a burning fire. On the facades, special screens are turned on, flashes of flame are broadcast on them – an indescribable sight. The idea of this lighting is recognized as the best in the world. The towers are: hotel, office space and apartments. Construction was completed in 2012 and lasted 5 years. The height of the towers is different: 140,160,190 m.

Bibi Heybat Mosque

Should this mosque be considered ancient or modern? Built in the 13th century, it was destroyed in the 30s of the 20th century, when there was a struggle with religion. According to the surviving sketches, a new building was erected in 1999, however, they made it bigger. The same grade of limestone was used, which was used for construction in the old days. 2 minarets and 3 domes are the traditions of the Shivan school. Emerald and white colors give the mosque a special elegance. The walls are also decorated with calligraphic inscriptions. Mirrored windows protect from the sun. Inside the mosque you can see very beautiful stained glass windows.

Tezepir Mosque

There used to be a modest small mosque here too. But at the beginning of the 20th century, according to the project of Ziverbek Akhmedbekov, with the money of Nabat-khanum Ashurbekova, a new building was built. Under Soviet rule, the mosque was closed. They built a barn here, then a cinema… Only during the Great Patriotic War, when the believers got some relief, the mosque was reopened. Now they not only pray here, but also solve important issues – after all, it is here that the Office of the Muslims of the Caucasus is located. The mosque has male and female halls. The decoration is very elegant – paintings by artists, marble and gold … In a word, it is worth seeing. The floor in the mosque is heated.

Juma Mosque

This mosque is located in the Icher Sheher district. On Friday, at noon, you will not come here – members of the Shia Muslim community pray here. At another time, you can appreciate this magnificent monument of antiquity. The mosque belongs to the 12th century, and the minaret to the 15th. The style follows medieval Persian architecture. But once upon a time, pagans performed their rituals at this place! At the beginning of the last millennium, Muslims took their place. Of course, mosques, like other buildings, suffered during wars and natural disasters. They were restored. So the Juma Mosque was restored at the beginning of the 14th century.

In 1899, the renovation was financed by a wealthy businessman Gadzhi Dadashev. After his death, in gratitude for a good deed, he was buried on the territory of the mosque. Juma has the shape of a hexagon, the facade is decorated with fine patterns, the door leading to the mosque is carved. Rare decorative materials were used in the interior decoration. On the masonry of the minaret, an inscription has been preserved, telling about the fees that the inhabitants once paid.

Turkish mosque

This relatively new mosque was built in 1992 with the support of Turkish Muslims. To look at it, you need to go to the Martyrs' Alley – those who died in the struggle are buried here. There is also a project to turn the mosque into a museum dedicated to the history of Azerbaijan's struggle for independence. The name of the mosque is “Shekhidlyar”. It looks majestic, visible from afar. Local residents are very kind to the memory of their heroes, and revere everything connected with them. Tourists should visit here, as the mosque is not only a beautiful architectural monument, but also forms a single complex with the Alley of Martyrs.

TV tower

Of course, as in other cities, the TV tower is the tallest building in the city, and it is simply impossible not to see it. The height of the tower is 310 m, which means that in terms of its size it occupies the 34th place in the world. It began to be built in the late 70s of the last century, by order of the Ministry of Communications of Azerbaijan. The work was to continue for 6 years, and end in 1985.

But life made its own adjustments, and there was a break in construction. Again, the construction of the tower began only in 1993 and was completed in 1996. The tower was reconstructed in 2008. Now tourists have the opportunity to climb to a height of 175 m – this is the 27th floor of the tower. There is a revolving restaurant here. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Baku with a glass of vintage wine and Azerbaijani dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to visit here.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Another very unusual building, which has become a real cultural center of the city. The congress center and museum, exhibition halls and numerous offices are united under one roof. The project was completed in 2007 by architect Zaha Hadid, and I must say that he succeeded brilliantly. The Heydar Aliyev Center was recognized as the best building in the world in 2014. So it's a must to see it. The opening of the Center took place in 2012, and was timed to coincide with Aliyev's birthday.

The shape of the building resembles a wave and has almost no straight lines. As conceived by the architect, this symbolizes infinity, while the lines that can be seen here represent the connection between the past and the future. Another symbol is the white color of the Center. So the tomorrow of the Azerbaijani people should only be bright. In fact, the complex is not limited to one Center. It includes a park and parking for cars located underground, decorative ponds and a lake.

Having entered inside, you should, first of all, go to the information kiosks and find out what and where is located here, as well as get information about what events are taking place today in the Center. You should definitely admire the landscape area, flowers and trees. Of course, the Center has a restaurant and a cafe, so there will be where to eat. Another recommendation is to visit the exhibition “Masterpieces of Azerbaijan”. Really unique exhibits are collected here: ancient drawings and coins, copies of old books, national costumes, musical instruments.

Fountain Square

This is a historical square, and its other name is still in use – Parapet. It is surrounded by buildings significant for the city – the Nizami Museum, the Araz cinema, the Armenian temple. The square was built in the middle of the 19th century, according to the project of Kassym-bek Hajibababekov. He also developed projects for buildings overlooking the square. At one time it was planned that a large Orthodox cathedral and a monument to Emperor Alexander II would appear here.

But the cathedral would have been cramped here, and the matter with the monument was delayed until the very revolution, and then the question disappeared by itself. For some time the square was named after Karl Marx. But it changed radically after the reconstruction in 1984. Elegant slabs, various green spaces, a large number of fountains appeared here. Another complete renovation was carried out in 2010. Now the area is a real work of art. Adults and children will love it here.

National Flag Square

The place is very colorful. And the flag itself is amazing in size. Judge for yourself: the height of the flagpole is 162 m, the length of the flag is 75 m, the tire is 35 m, and it weighs 350 kg. The area is located next to the base of the Naval Forces. Also here you can see the coat of arms and a map of Azerbaijan, read the words of the anthem. There is also the Museum of the State Flag, which contains many curious exhibits related to the official symbols.

The square opened in 2010. For some time the local flagpole was considered the highest in the world. He lost the palm a year later. In 2011, Dushanbe became the owner of the record-breaking flagpole – 165 m. There were also precedents. Once a huge flag was torn apart by the wind, another time during a storm the flagpole swayed so strongly that the inhabitants of the nearest house had to be evacuated. Since then, on particularly rainy days, the flag has been lowered.

Alley of Martyrs

The most convenient way to get to the Martyrs' Alley is by taking the funicular. This is a place of remembrance and mourning. They come here to bow to the fallen. The decision to create a memorial cemetery here was made in the 90s of the last century. Those local residents who died during the clash between Soviet troops and the Azerbaijani opposition are buried here. In total, you can see more than a hundred graves. Also here are Turkish soldiers who gave their lives in the battle for the city at the beginning of the last century. There are monuments to other heroes who fell in battles. Burning eternal flame. The mosque of Shahids was erected.

Olympic Stadium

The construction of the stadium lasted almost 4 years: from June 2011 to March 2015. The project of the Turkish company TOSA was adopted as a basis. The colossal building can accommodate almost 70 thousand spectators and meets all international standards. It was here that the First European Games were held in 2015. There is no doubt that competitions of world significance will be held here in the future.

The complex includes parking, boulevard, park. There is a separate building for the work of journalists. It was the Olympic Stadium and the competitions that are held here that gave impetus to the restoration of the ecological purity of Lake Boyuk-Shor, which is located in the neighborhood. This is a large-scale work, the lake is heavily polluted with oil. It is planned that by 2020 the ecosystem will be restored, the lake will return to its course.

Russian Drama Theatre. Samad Vurgun

This theater has come a long way. In fact, he was born in December of the distant 1920. At that time, several theater troupes broke up, and the artists created a new association. In 1923, local authorities made a special decision, and the creative team became known as the Baku Workers' Theatre. Many Russian artists came here, plays were staged that glorified the revolution and the new system. A year later, a studio was opened at the theater.

Novice artists were taught the skill of “Meyerhold”. Here began the career of the brilliant Faina Ranevskaya. Since 1937, the theater has been called differently – the Azerbaijan State Red Banner Theater of Russian Drama. And since 1956, it has received the name that it bears today. In recent years, many young Azerbaijani artists have come here. The performances are very interesting, you should visit at least one of them.

Opera and Ballet Theater named after M. F. Akhundov

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Mailov brothers built and donated a luxurious theater building with their own money. With stalls and numerous boxes for local and visiting nobility, with a balcony and galleries for spectators is simpler. The first performance shown on the stage was the opera Boris Godunov. Since then, both opera and ballet, operetta, drama performances, concerts have been given here in Russian and in Azerbaijani.

In 1920, the theater was renamed the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre, and 10 years later it received its current name. Since then, world-famous stars have performed on its stage: Fyodor Chaliapin, Maya Plisetskaya, Montserrat Caballe and others. Both Azerbaijani and classical performances for adults and children are staged here.

Baku Zoo

The zoo was originally opened in 1928. After the Great Patriotic War, everything had to be started from scratch, and the animals evacuated from Rostov became the basis for the new zoological park. Several times the zoo was moved from place to place until a tragic event happened. A landslide that came down from the mountains killed rare animals.

After that, a new large zoo was built, it opened in 1985. A circular children's railway was laid around it, which was later dismantled – the area was built up. The symbol of the zoo is a pink flamingo – many of these beautiful birds were seen by local veterinarians. In total, there are more than a thousand animals, 160 species. So for a meeting with the pets of the zoo, you need to take at least 3 hours.

Temple Ateshgah

The history of the village of Surakhani since the middle of the 19th century is closely connected with oil production. The world's first oil refinery was also built here, and Dmitry Mendeleev himself became a consultant. But tourists come to the village mainly to look at the Zoroastrian temple of fire worshipers Ateshgah. It is built where combustible gas comes out of the earth to the surface. This fire is called “eternal” by the locals, it is believed that it illuminates the path for everyone who is looking for spiritual truth.

Scientists believe that the temple was built in the 2nd-3rd centuries AD. Its arches face 4 cardinal directions. Pilgrims from different countries came here along the Great Silk Road. Surprisingly, even Alexandre Dumas visited here. When in the middle of the 19th century, as a result of the movement of the earth layers, access to the surface was closed to gas – pilgrims stopped visiting the temple. It was reopened in 1975 after restoration.

Gobustan Reserve

A very interesting tour that will take several hours. The reserve is separated from Baku by 60 km. You can go on your own or as part of an organized tour. What can be seen here? First of all, volcanoes. The landscape seems “Martian”, there is a feeling that you are on another planet. The earth is cracked, lifeless, volcanoes are small and slightly larger. From time to time they make sounds resembling gurgling.

The second attraction of the reserve is rock paintings. There are a lot of them – several thousand. They were made in different periods of history. Starting from the primitive era, ending with the Middle Ages. Also here you can see an inscription made in the 1st century AD. Roman legionary. Baku and its environs make a great impression. This is a fabulous city that you should definitely visit.