Museums

The Maiden Tower

Located near the Seaside Boulevard, the Maiden Tower is one of the oldest and most recognizable symbols of Baku.

Researchers date the oldest parts of the structure to the 6th–7th centuries BC. Its full formation and final construction works are believed to have been completed in the 12th century AD. The tower is 28 meters high, with a diameter of 16.5 meters on the first floor, and wall thickness reaching up to 5 meters. The interior of the tower consists of 8 floors, each built of carved stone and covered with a domed ceiling.

The Maiden Tower was used for defensive purposes for a long time and has functioned as a museum since 1964. In 2000, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Working hours: Every day, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Ticketed entry

Address: 99, Neftchilar Avenue

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, located in Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher), is a 15th-century palace complex built during the reign of Shirvanshah Khalilullah I. After the capital of the Shirvanshah state was moved from Shamakhi to Baku, this palace was constructed as the political and cultural center of the kingdom.

The complex includes the main palace building, Divankhana (courtroom), royal mausoleum, palace mosque, palace bathhouse, the mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, gate structures, a ceremonial courtyard, and underground water reservoirs. All structures are built from local golden limestone and decorated with fine stone carvings.

The Palace is considered one of the finest examples of Azerbaijani medieval architecture and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City of Baku. Since 2000, it has functioned as a museum-reserve and offers visitors insight into the royal, artistic, and architectural heritage of medieval Azerbaijan.

Working hours: Every day, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Ticketed entry

Address: 76,1st Gasr Lane

The Sirataghli religious-architectural complex

The Sirataghli religious-architectural complex (also known as the Bazaar Square or Khanagah Complex) is a nationally significant historical monument located in Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher).

The complex lies to the north of the Maiden Tower. It was discovered during archaeological excavations in 1964, revealing a structure with a unique and intriguing architectural layout. The uncovered remains included a multi-arched religious space, believed to have served both religious and public functions during the medieval period.

Working hours: Every day

Entrance: free of charge

Address: 69, Asaf Zeynalli Street

House-Museum of Tahir Salahov

On October 13, 2011, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a decree on the establishment of the Tahir Salahov House Museum. The museum was officially opened in 2012 in Icherisheher. The house museum of world-renowned Azerbaijani artist Tahir Salahov has been operating since 2011. The museum showcases portraits of his contemporaries from the 1960s — in other words, prominent figures who made a significant mark in the arts — such as Gara Garayev, Fikrat Amirov, Dmitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich, and others. In addition, the museum features many of Tahir Salahov’s famous works in various genres, including graphics, painting, still life, and composition. Over 700 exhibits are on display in the museum.

Working hours: weekdays, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; weekends, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on the last Monday of each month for maintenance)

Ticketed entry

Address: 1, 3rd Ilyas Efendiyev Lane

Underground Hammam

The famous Turkish traveler Ovliya Chelebi stayed in Baku for 10 days in 1647 and in his “Travelogue” mentioned three bathhouses in the Baku Fortress, noting that the Mirza Khan bathhouse was the most pleasant of them. The Mirza Khan bathhouse mentioned by the traveler is known today as the Underground Hammam.

It is assumed that the bathhouse was built in the early 17th century. This was also confirmed by the results of laboratory analysis conducted in Germany of a wood sample taken from the wall of the bathhouse. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that this material dates back to 1640–1650.

Working hours: Every day, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Ticketed entry

Address: 50, Boyuk Gala Street

The Museum of Holy Relics

The Quran Museum, located in the Beyler Mosque, is also known as the Museum of Holy Relics. It features examples of the Holy Quran from various historical periods, as well as ancient books and religious artifacts.

Working hours: daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Entrance: free of charge

Address: 47, Ilyas Efendiyev Street

Museum of Archaeology

The Museum and Exhibition Hall of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, part of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (AMEA), is located in the historic heart of Baku — Icherisheher (Old City). This space was established to present Azerbaijan’s ancient history, archaeological heritage, and anthropological discoveries to the public.

The exhibition features rare artifacts discovered during scientific excavations across Azerbaijan, including items from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages — such as tools, pottery, jewelry, weapons, burial goods, and human remains.

Working hours: daily (except Mondays), 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance: free of charge

Address: 42 Boyuk Gala Street, 19 Qulla Street

The Museum of Azerbaijani Miniature Art is located in the 14th-century historical Molla Ahmad Mosque. It is dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of national miniature art.

Working hours: Every day, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Ticketed entry

Address: 9 Sabir Street