Name: Baku: Secrets of the Old City
Brand: Questo
SKU: ancienttown3272
Rating: 4.2 (9 reviews)

Annual Pass

Italy

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Heroes' square

Baku

The Baku Khans' Palace, also known as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, represents one of the crown jewels of Azerbaijan's architectural heritage. Built during the 15th century under the reign of Ibrahim I of Shirvan, this magnificent palace complex was constructed when the region's cultural and political influence was at its height. The palace stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the Old City listing, and has earned the title 'pearl of Azerbaijan's architecture' for its exceptional beauty and craftsmanship. The complex extends beyond the main palace to include a mosque, bath house, and mausoleum, creating a comprehensive residential and spiritual center. Every element of the palace design reflects the artistic sensibilities and architectural innovations of its era.

Baku Khans' Palace

The fortress walls of Icherisheher represent layers of Baku's complex and fascinating history. The site has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, and the fortress walls themselves reflect multiple periods of construction and expansion. A double wall system was developed, with the first built by Shirvanshah III and a second by Akhsitan I, creating powerful defensive structures. Over the centuries, the fortress has witnessed the arrival of Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian peoples and cultures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 2000, was placed on the endangered list in 2003 but was removed from that list in 2009, reflecting ongoing preservation efforts. Standing within these walls, you sense the weight of millennia and the countless civilizations that have called this place home.

Fortress

The Double Gates of Baku serve as a dramatic entrance to Icherisheher, also known as the Old City or Inner City of Baku. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by fortress walls originally built around 1138-1139 by Shirvanshah Manuchohr III. The original walls extended an impressive 1,500 meters around the city, though today about 500 meters remain standing. These walls, reaching 8 to 12 meters in height and 3.5 meters in width, are a testament to medieval engineering and military strategy. Walking through the Double Gates transports you into a centuries-old walled city where history whispers from every stone.

The Double Gates of Baku

Muhammad Mosque

Juma Mosque

Philarmonia Hall

Maiden Tower

Icherisheher subway

Museum of Miniature Books

Palace of The Shirvanshahs

Azerbaijan

Aygun 

Ay Gun

Denis Kopeykin

Даша Дми

Baku: Secrets of the Old City

Stefania David

feras

Jade Johnston

Sanan Mahmudov

Step into the heart of Baku, where ancient stories meet modern life. This walking quest takes you through the winding streets of Icherisheher—the Old City—where East and West have blended for centuries.&nbsp;As you pass through stone archways and vibrant courtyards, you’ll follow real clues, solve engaging puzzles, and uncover hidden gems nestled between minarets and medieval walls. From the Double Gates to the Khans' Palace, each step reveals layers of history waiting to be explored.&nbsp;Whether with friends or family, this adventure invites you to connect, discover, and create new memories in one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Let Baku surprise you.

Explore Baku with this 506 min self-guided walking tour. Discover landmarks, hidden stories & local secrets through interactive challenges on Questo.

Secrets of the Old City: Baku Self-Guided Tour | Questo

What to expect from Baku: Secrets of the Old City

7 Day Pass

Baku: Secrets of the Old City

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