Bound by the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan is renowned for its walled inner city built during medieval times. Within this walled barrier lies the Shirvanshahs Palace, which dates back to the 15th century and was a royal retreat. There’s also the Maiden Tower, which stands heads and shoulders above the city skyline.
If you want to visit in here then there are six international airports which will make your travel easier. But the Baku Heydar Aliyev International airport is the one which is most frequently used. If you can get Azerbaijan holiday packages from trusted sites, then you will be able to see a bunch of these famous sites together.
While all your packages will offer to show you the more famous places, but if you want to see some of the less frequented and lesser known ones; then here’s a list for you:
The Fire Temple
Baku’s fire temples were built during the 17th and 18th centuries, but it’s fire rituals date back to the 10th century. Similar to caravanserais of the region in structure, it too is built with pentagonal walls, but the real gem- an altar, sitting on a natural gas vent, where the fire rituals were carried out is in the middle of the complex. No one is sure whether it is a Zoroastrian construction or a Hindu one, but it is currently a museum and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fire Mountain
Azerbaijan got its name of ‘land of fire’ from these fires. These fires continue to amaze and enthrall even now as they did centuries ago. The fires are due to its gas reserves and in Yanar Dağ, it is a 10 m long firewall which never stops but burns continuously along the edge of a hill. It looks amazing during the night and there is a teahouse from where the view can be enjoyed. Sip tea as you enjoy all the local mores in regards to its creation.
Ağdam
Today, the only devastation graces this town with the bombed skeletons of the building along with the mosque. Although there’s no conflict now, during the invasion of 1993, the town of 40,000 was reduced to crumbs and the town was abandoned. This ghost town is still decaying and empty, being used only as a buffer space by the Armenian military.
Goyazan Mountain
The 2812 feet Goyazen mountain stands alone and tall in a flat rolling field which gives it an amazing appearance. The whole scenario is enthralling and yet not much appreciated.
Quba
This ancient mountain town lies along the river Qudailchay and is a short distance from villages which are custodians of history. Mountains and valleys surround these cultural communities and there is a nearby village of Khinalug which stands at 7710 feet that offers amazing mountain views and hiking opportunities.
Azerbaijan in itself is a lesser known location, but its beauties and landscapes are unparalleled- truly an ideal destination for vacations.
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