Azerbaijan – a country of contrasts, where modern architecture is wonderfully combined with historical buildings. Azerbaijan – a land of fires whose burning hills have attracted travelers since the 13th century.
Azerbaijan – land of mysteries: walking along the boulevard in Baku, you can randomly get into… Venice. And finally, Azerbaijan – country of rich flora and fauna; The world of animals and plants attracts tourists from all over the world.
These are far from all the reasons why it is worth visiting a state located in Western Asia, but they are definitely among the main ones. From June 1, they promise to open the borders for tourists, so tours to Azerbaijan have every chance to become one of the most interesting in 2021.
Fire-breathing mountain Yanardag
A popular natural landmark of Azerbaijan – Yanardag, which means “burning mountain”. The eternal flame has been burning here since ancient times and never goes out; it is not afraid of rain, snow, or strong wind. Flashes of flame are “born” in different places: on stones, on the ground.
The mountain is on fire due to the leakage of natural gas, which breaks out from the bowels of the earth. The famous traveler Marco Polo, who visited Baku, told about this miracle back in the 13th century. And in the 19th century, Alexander Dumas Sr. admired Yanardag.
This place is popular among travelers, as it makes a powerful impression on people. The mountain is especially beautiful in the evening and at night. If you are relaxing in Baku, we advise you to see Yanardag at this time.
The fiery attraction is located on the Apreshon peninsula, 25 kilometers from the capital.
< p>Photo: mamagruzia.ru
Heydar Aliyev Futuristic Center
Heydar Aliyev Center – the pride of Azerbaijan. It was erected in honor of the former president. The image of the object was based on the signature of the head of the country. In 2014, the building became the winner of the international Design of the Year competition and was recognized as the best in the world. The center is a symbol of modern Baku and its continuous development. Azerbaijanis owe the appearance of this attraction to the Iraqi-British architect and designer Zaha Hadid.
The complex is located on the square of the same name in the center of the capital. It includes:
- museum;
- exhibition halls;
- congress hall.
The building has bizarre, fluid shapes, the roof goes into the floor. Travelers do not always understand the walls or the ground they are walking on. The center is surrounded by a multi-tiered park where various exhibitions are held.
When traveling around Azerbaijan, do not visit this place – it's like ignoring the Eiffel Tower in France.
Seaside Park – a piece of Italy
Little Venice in Baku is located in the Seaside National Park. For several decades, the “Island of Italy” pleases tourists and locals. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions. It appeared in 1960, when a water recreation area was organized on Primorsky Boulevard. The Azerbaijanis immediately dubbed it Venice.
Thus, the people guessed the idea of the head of Baku, Alish Lemberansky, who, having traveled to Italy, was so impressed with the country that he decided to create its likeness in his city. In the 2000s, the architecture of the object underwent reconstruction: water channels were expanded, new bridges were built, and real gondolas were launched along the reservoir.
< p>Small Venice is surrounded by fountains, flowers, figures of fairy-tale heroes. The shores are full of cafes and restaurants with cuisines of different nationalities.
Once here, be sure to rent a gondola. You have to stand in line, but it's worth it. Grab a camera or recharge your phone – You won't get off with five or six shots. The unique architectural ensemble with marble stairs and glass railings is amazingly combined with the nature of sunny Azerbaijan and emerald water.
Photo: travelata-a.akamaihd.net
Nature of the Goygol Reserve
Goygol Reserve – a place where you can relax your body and soul. Its beauty is not inferior to the Swiss. Travelers can admire the animals that live here:
- foxes;
- wolves;
- ermines;
- martens;
- deer.
There are eight lakes in the park. The most picturesque is Goygol, whose name translates as “blue lake”. This is a mountain reservoir with clear water, in which trout is found. It is settled here annually by the staff of the reserve. Sport fishing with sparing gear is allowed here. Regulars of the blue lake – white swans.
This is a great place for ecotourists – the park is densely planted with lianas, oaks, elms. The height of some trees reaches forty meters, and the thickness of the trunks reaches two and a half meters. Trees are interspersed with shrubs and flower beds. The path to the lake is paved, and a picturesque view opens from the observation deck. You can get to the National Park by regular bus that goes from Baku or Ganja.
Photo: staff-online.ru
The old city of Icheri Sheher
If you are planning to go to Azerbaijan, be sure to visit the historical part of the capital – Icheri Sheher or the Old City, as the Azerbaijanis call it. It is in this place that you will plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and feel how the local people lived hundreds of years ago.
Icheri Sheher – these are:
- fortresses;
- dilapidated buildings;
- museums.
The area beckons with narrow stone streets that look like a labyrinth. Old Baku is fraught with legends, which attracts tourists from all over the world. There is something to see here:
- The Maiden's Tower;
- Shemakha Gate;
- Shirvanshahs' Palace and Baths;
- Mohammed's Mosque ;
- Marketplace, etc.
Icheri Sheher rises on a hill near the Caspian Sea. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: lachmanski.pl
Azerbaijan is full of attractions for different tastes:
- museums;
- fountains;
- historical monuments;
- ancient mausoleums;
- bustling markets;
- quiet nature reserves.
You can't get bored in this sunny country.
If you haven't decided where to spend your summer vacation yet – take note.
