We Visit The Walled City Of Baku
The walled city of Baku is the oldest part of the capital of Azerbaijan. It is, therefore, one of the essential visits that must be made on any trip to this country. Next, we will discover everything about this place, as well as what is related to its two main constructions. Can you come with us?
What is the walled city of Baku like
The walled city of Baku is an ancient fortress. Liezos and towers are still preserved from it, which were fortified after the conquest of Russia in 1806. But before that, Sassanids, Persians, Jews, Arabs and Ottomans had passed through these lands.
The area, which is most picturesque, is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets with old buildings. Many of them are small mosques. In fact, there are dozens of them, such as the Juma Mosque, which was the home of the National Museum of Art and Carpets of Azerbaijan.
However, in the Old City of Baku, two buildings stand out . Two fabulous places that deserve a different section. It is about the palace of the Shirvanshah and the Maiden’s tower. Both, along with the rest of the walled enclosure, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Shirvanshah Palace
It is the largest monument of the Shirvan-Absheron branch of Azerbaijani architecture. Its importance is such that, in addition to being a World Heritage Site, it is represented on the obverse of the 10 manat banknote issued since 2006.
The complex has several places of interest, starting with the main building. It dates from the year 1411 and consists of two floors. Its beautiful dome and vestibule stand out, which connects with the constructions that are found on the sides of it.
In the Palace of the Shirvanshah you can also visit the small stone pavilion Divankhana. It is inside a patio and stands out for its dome and its beautiful decoration.
Other corners are the mausoleum of the Shirvanshahs and the palace mosque, located in the lower courtyard. Nor should you miss the door of Sultan Murad, from 1585. Or the bathhouse, made up of no less than 26 rooms, which must have been covered with domes.
Maiden’s tower
Its name may be due to a legend. He tells of a sha who fell in love with his daughter and decided to marry her. She, horrified by the decision, asked him to build a tower first. When it was finished, the young woman climbed to the top and threw herself into the sea.
Whether we give credibility to the origin of the name or not, the truth is that the Maiden’s tower was probably erected in the 12th century. The architect was the architect Masud ibn Davud.
Meanwhile, his son, also an architect, was responsible for the Mardakan round tower. A construction not to be confused with the castle of the same name.
Returning to the Maiden’s tower, it is 31 meters high in its northern part and 28 in the south. It has eight floors that are separated from each other by a stone floor. They are all connected by stairs.
For your visit, it must be borne in mind that the Maiden Tower houses a museum and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. Of course, the main thing is to climb to the top to enjoy the impressive views. You can admire the minarets and alleys that make up the walled city of Baku.
It is no coincidence that the walled city of Baku and two of its buildings, the Shirvanshah Palace and the Maiden’s Tower, are considered places of great importance and interest. However, it is best to travel to this country to discover these and other wonders. You dare?
