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Palace in Sheki
Sheki is located in northern Azerbaijan, south of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, 325 km from the capital Baku. The city has a population of approximately 63,000. It is considered a site on a branch of the legendary Silk Road. Sheki features the Labyrinth at Fazıl, the nearby Tumuli Cemetery Park, and in the fields southeast of the city is the site of Chovgan, a traditional Azerbaijani equestrian sport similar to polo.
Within the Labyrinth lie the massive stone walls of what was once an 18th-century fortress and palace, adorned with murals from the reign of King Chelabi Khan (1743-1755). This is a top tourist attraction in the ancient town of Sheki. Additionally, Sheki boasts a second, slightly older palace called Xan-Evi, nestled in a small alleyway among picturesque old houses.
Noah's Tomb
The Tomb of Noah, located in the city of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, dates back to the 8th century. The current structure was built in 2006. Situated near Mount Ararat, this small brick tomb is adorned with blue carvings and topped with a gilded tower.
Noah's tomb consists of the remains of the lower level of an ancient temple, with a ladder leading to a burial chamber and a stone pillar in the center of the chamber. According to legend, Noah's relics lie beneath this pillar. A portrait depicting Noah's tomb from 100 years ago, painted by the artist Bahruz Kangarli, is housed in the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan.
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is a landlocked exclave of the Republic of Azerbaijan, covering an area of 5,500 km² and bordering Armenia (221 km) to the east and north, Iran (179 km) to the south and west, and Turkey (15 km) to the northwest. Nakhchivan is famous for the Momine Khatun mausoleum, built in 1186 and situated among exquisitely carved stone monuments.
Alijna Castle
Beside the charming oasis village of Ordubad, perched atop a hill, lies Alinja Castle. From the top of Snake Mountain (Ilan Dag), visitors can admire the vast ruins of Alinja Castle. This will be one of the most memorable experiences during a visit to Azerbaijan.
Gabala, a fine wine from Azerbaijan.
According to archaeologists, the Caucasus (Azerbaijan) is the world's oldest wine-producing center. Most of Azerbaijan's wineries were destroyed in the late 1980s due to political and economic instability in the country.
However, in recent years, advanced cultivation techniques and the application of science and technology have revived the quality of Azerbaijani wines, most notably the fine wines of the Gabala region.
Meanwhile in Baku, new bars and diverse drink options are popping up everywhere: from traditional hipster bars and foreign-style pubs to alluring cocktail rooms.
Caspian Sea coast and Talysh mountain range
In southeastern Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea coastal region is lush with greenery, featuring tea plantations and orchards. Beyond the Caspian Sea, dense forests rise atop the mystical Talysh Mountains, along with stunning waterfalls and secluded ancient villages, creating a truly idyllic and romantic landscape.
However, the best part for visitors is the time spent hiking through the enchanting, moss-covered forests of Hirkan National Park and observing its diverse wildlife.
