Restoration and conservation works

The restoration of the tower’s façade was carried out by the Austrian company Atelier Erich Pummer, which has restored more than 400 monuments worldwide.

Before beginning the conservation and restoration works, they conducted detailed calculations of the monument’s stability, especially with regard to earthquake resistance. Renowned structural engineers from Retter & Partner Ziviltechniker GmbH, based in Krems (Austria), participated in these studies.

Various tasks were set to restore the interior and exterior of the Maiden Tower in accordance with monument protection regulations. On the one hand, they needed to eliminate serious structural defects and weak spots, and on the other — preserve the façade and interior without altering the building’s appearance.

Therefore, during the restoration, the swifts were relocated. Five hundred specially designed birdhouses were installed on the façade of a neighboring building so that a protective net could be placed over the tower to keep the swifts away during their nesting season. About 150 nesting places were preserved inside the tower, and additional birdhouses were made available on the neighboring building. The bird protection project was generously supported and promoted by IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) and the Administration of Icherisheher.

The restoration of the Maiden Tower began in April 2011. The tower was closed to visitors starting from January 2013.

The damaged surfaces and structures were restored stone by stone. Lime suspension and silicic acid ester were injected to fill cracks and cavities.

The Maiden Tower, the historical symbol of Baku dating back to antiquity, reopened its doors to visitors on January 2, 2014, after extensive restoration works.

It now houses a new museum exhibition.

After restoration, the 28-meter monument — inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2001 — regained its historical appearance.

The extensive conservation and restoration works in the Old City became possible thanks to President Ilham Aliyev’s attention to the country’s national cultural heritage.

The First Lady of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, who is also the head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, plays an important role in preserving and promoting Azerbaijani cultural values and heritage, including the Old City.