Absheron Castles Tour

Looking for a fascinating day trip from Baku that blends history, architecture, and medieval mystique? Our Absheron Castles Tour is the ideal escape into Azerbaijan’s past, offering a curated journey through some of the most iconic fortresses near Baku - a great choice for those seeking Baku historical day tours. This castle tour in Azerbaijan is perfect for history lovers, photographers, and culture explorers alike, especially those searching for Baku history tour experiences.

📍 Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve

The tour begins at the Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve, located just 40 km from Baku on the Absheron Peninsula. This open-air museum complex covers 1.5 hectares and includes three thematic spaces: the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, the Castle Museum, and the Museum of Antiques. The site presents over 2,000 exhibits including pottery, rock carvings, ancient tools, weapons, and coins dating back thousands of years. You’ll also find reconstructed homes, tents made of animal skins, medieval workshops, tandoors from the 18th century, and underground passages from the 10th and 15th centuries. As one of the top historical places near Baku, this museum offers a vivid representation of Azerbaijani life from ancient times to the Middle Ages — and yes, everything can be touched and photographed.

📍 Mardakan Quadrangular Castle

Next, you'll visit Mardakan Fortress, one of the most impressive fortresses in Azerbaijan, built in the 12th century by Akhsitan I after a victorious battle. The castle was designed for defense and observation and features a robust quadrangular structure with five levels and thick limestone walls. Inside, there are six chambers, and the inner courtyard measures 28 by 25 meters. Visitors can climb 76 narrow steps to reach the top and admire the surrounding landscape. A 25-meter-deep water well and dozens of storage pits in the courtyard highlight its strategic and self-sustaining design — a true highlight of any Baku castles tour.

📍 Mardakan Round Castle (Shikh Fortress)

Also located in the village of Mardakan is the Round Castle, known locally as Shikh Fortress. Built in 1232 under the reign of Fariburz III, this tower is unique for its circular form and three Arabic inscriptions carved in stone above the main entrance. Standing 16 meters tall, it narrows as it rises and is surrounded by a square courtyard (25×25 meters) with watchtowers at each corner. Constructed from limestone using traditional lime mortar techniques, this site showcases the advanced engineering and aesthetic sensibilities of medieval builders. For those interested in castle tours near Baku or a deeper history tour in Baku, it’s a must-see.

📍 Ramana Castle

The final stop on your journey is Ramana Castle, located in the village of the same name. Although the exact construction date is unknown, this 12th-century white-stone tower is believed to have been used for military purposes during the rule of the Shirvanshahs. With a height of 15 meters, it features both internal spiral staircases and an external stone staircase leading to the top. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ramana village and appreciate its strategic location. This site is especially attractive for those seeking historical attractions near Baku with photo-worthy architecture and fewer crowds.

Our Absheron Castles Tour is fully customizable based on your interests, time, and travel preferences. Whether you're a solo traveler, a history buff or visiting Baku with family, this private Baku history tour offers a memorable escape into Azerbaijan’s medieval past.

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