If there is a place on the planet where modern technologies of construction and examples of medieval architecture are ideally combined, then this is Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan . The centuries-old history and incredible speed of development of the modern city are striking with its harmony. Guests of the capital will never have any questions about what to see in Baku, because the sights are everywhere. The main problem is the availability of free time for acquaintance with all its delights.
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The legacy of the past
Getting acquainted with the history of Baku should start with a visit to the Old City. Icheri Sheher, the first mention of which dates back to the VII century, is the most ancient district of Baku. In this quarter there are two outstanding attractions. One of them is the Maiden Tower, about which beautiful legends are built in Baku. One narrates about the princess, who was imprisoned in the tower, whom the father-shah forcibly tried to marry. But the girl preferred death by jumping into the sea. Another tells that the execution of the apostle Bartholomew was carried out here.
The second landmark of Icheri Sheher is the Shirvanshahs palace (XV century). It is considered the pearl of Azerbaijan. Since 1964 this museum-preserve has been protected by the state, and since 2000 both the Maiden's Tower and the Shirvanshah's palace are under the protection of UNESCO. Today on the territory of the Old Town there are numerous shops and shops where you can buy unique souvenirs and even rarities.
Thirty kilometers from the center of Baku is the temple of fire worshipers Ateshgyah. This complex is famous not only for its ancient architecture, but also for a unique phenomenon - burning gas flows that ignite at the exit from the earth due to interaction with oxygen. Annually this object, the territory of which is a museum in the open air, is visited by more than 15 thousand tourists.
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The streets of Baku, its squares, fountains and boulevards deserve special attention. The city has a huge number of park areas. Townspeople and guests of Baku do not bypass the Nagorny Park, where the Alley of Martyrs is located. In this mass grave are buried heroes who gave their lives for the independence of the country.
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Modern city
There are also recently appeared sights in Baku, from the view of which is breathtaking. Such are the fiery towers built in Baku by American architects. Mirror skyscrapers, highlighted by thousands of lights, are visible from anywhere in the city. Nightlife in the capital is booming. By the way, according to the publishing house Lonely Planet, Baku takes the tenth place in the rating of the most active night cities in the world. And this is not surprising, because the abundance of chic restaurants, modern hotels, clubs and other entertainment establishments has this.
Cultural life does not lag behind the night. The city has a huge number of galleries, cultural centers, permanent exhibitions. For example, in the old city the YAY gallery works, promoting Azerbaijani artists. The pearl of Baku is the Museum of Contemporary Art, which was founded by Jean Nouvel, the Aliev Center, the Salakhov House Museum, the Carpet Museum, the Opera and Ballet Theater.
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Walking around the city, do not try to plan your time. This is impossible, because you want to pay attention to every detail. Incredible color, aromas of Azerbaijani cuisine, coming from restaurants and bars, friendly townspeople - you will be amazed by this city! A visit to Baku will forever leave a trace in your memory. You want to come here again and again, and no one can prevent you from doing this!