Even known as the Land of Fire, Azerbaijan is a country where ancient history meets with the modern charm. Azerbaijan provides tourists with a memorable experience not just in its hectic capital city, but also in small uninhabited natural sceneries. When you are going on a trip, you should start with getting your Azerbaijan tourist visa in Abu Dhabi, and then visiting this unique country will become easy. After obtaining your visa, you will be able to embark on a trip to explore the best attractions and places of interest that make Azerbaijan a destination to visit.
1. Baku Old City (Icherisheher)
The historic center of the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site of Baku is its Old City or Icherisheher. Strolling through its small cobblestone streets, you will see old mosques, caravanserais and the renowned Maiden Tower. This is a place where one can have a glimpse of the rich history of the city dating back to the 12 th century. You should not skip the Palace of the Shirvanshahs which is a great specimen of medieval architecture.
2. Flame Towers
The Flame Towers, one of the most popular symbols of Baku, is a symbol of contemporary Azerbaijan. These three towers are shaped like flames and are greatly lit during the night that forms a spectacular skyline. The tour of Baku is not complete without the sightseeing of these towers, as they represent the name of the country, the Land of Fire.
3. Gobustan National Park
Gobustan National Park which is only 64 kilometers away to the southwest of Baku is renowned due to its ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes and other unique land formations. These petroglyphs are more than 5,000 years old and makes an intriguing observation of the prehistoric life in Azerbaijan. The park will also be a source of delight to nature lovers, who will find pleasure in the dramatic landscapes and bubbling mud volcanoes.
4. Heydar Aliyev Center
The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, which was designed by the world-known architect Zaha Hadid, is a modern architecture masterpiece. It is futuristic in its flowing form and contrasts the traditional structures of the city. There is art on inside, cultural events and interesting installations reflecting the contemporary creativity of Azerbaijan.
5. Ateshgah Fire Temple
The Ateshgah Fire Temple is a pre-historic place of worship of the Zorastrians, standing in Surakhani, which is outside Baku. This temple is the reflection of the spiritualism of the Azerbaijan and its relation to fire as one of the symbols of this land. Tourists have an opportunity to see the courtyards of the temple, inscriptions and the ablaze fires.
6. Sheki Khan’s Palace
The Palace of the Sheki Khan in the beautiful town of Sheki is a great sight. It is a palace of the 18 th century that is known because of its beautiful stained-glass windows, elaborate frescos, and massive architecture. It indicates the wealth of the Sheki Khanate, and it gives a visitor an insight into the royal history of Azerbaijan.
7. Caspian Sea Coast
The coast of the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan is the right place to be when one needs to relax and enjoy the sight. There are opportunities to sunbathe, swim and sample local seafood at the beaches of Baku and in the Absheron Peninsula. Stunning sunsets can also be seen in the coastline, which is ideal among photography lovers.
8. Khinalug Village
Khinalug is considered to be one of the oldest inhabited villages in the world that lies deep in the Caucasus Mountains. Touring this isolated village provides the tourist with a real impression of how the traditional Azerbaijan life is in the mountains. It is a hidden treasure of Khinalug because of its unique architecture, local crafts, and panorama mountain views.
9. Baku, Atashgah- Fire Worship Temple.
The Atashgah of Baku, a Zoroastrian temple in the outskirts of the city is another historic fire site. Its square shape and the flame pit in the center provide a hint at the ancient culture of worshiping the fire. The temple is a cultural and historical building that reveals the spiritual background of Azerbaijan.
10. Nakhchivan Independent Republic.
Nakhchivan offers an experience of a combination of natural beauty, history, and an exclusive architecture to travelers who want to go off the beaten path. The attraction sites are the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, mountainous scenery, and historic monasteries. Nakhchivan is the other face of Azerbaijan, which is not associated with busy Baku.
Final Thoughts
Azerbaijan is a place that is an ideal mixture of history, culture and nature. You have been in the lively streets of Baku, the ancient rock carvings of Gobustan, and the peaceful mountains of Khinalug, each of the corners of Azerbaijan has something particular to offer. As a UAE citizen, getting your Azerbaijan visa in UAE through Go Kite Travel will provide you with an easy and stress-free experience, so that you can focus on exploring the wonders of this intriguing country.
