Overview:

Maiden Tower, located in Baku, Azerbaijan, is an ancient fortress and a World Heritage Site. The tower, which was built sometime between the 12th and 15th centuries, stands approximately 29 metres tall and is located at the southeastern corner of the Old City. The purpose of the tower is unknown, though it is thought to have served as an astronomical observatory or a defense structure for the inhabitants of the city. It has also been speculated that the tower may have been a Zoroastrian temple in the past. The building is also a symbol of Baku and is featured on its emblem. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Azerbaijan
Prominent Features:

Maiden Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks of Baku, Azerbaijan. Located at the southeastern part of the city’s old city, the tower is believed to be built during the 12th or 13th century and stands at a hight of 29 meters. The tower has been featured on the national emblem of Azerbaijan and is a popular tourist attraction. Its intriguing architectural style has also made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Maiden Tower is believed to have been used for various purposes throughout history, including a defense garrison, a prison, and an observatory. It is said to have also held a great spiritual significance to the locals, and even today offers one of the most spectacular views of Baku’s skyline. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Azerbaijan.

History:

The Maiden Tower is a historical monument of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Located in the Old City, the tower is believed to have been built in the 12th century, but different sources also suggest that it may have been built in the 7th century CE. Though the exact purpose of the tower is unknown, it is believed to have served as a defensive fortification or a watchtower. The Maiden Tower is one of the most iconic symbols of Baku. It is shown on images of Baku, including those used on Azeri bank notes and coins. The Maiden Tower is listed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. According to legends, the Maiden Tower was built by an inhabitant of Baku to protect his daughter from an emperor. According to a different legend, the tower was built by a rich merchant. Throughout its history, the Maiden Tower was damaged several times by earthquakes and nature and renovations were done in the 15th, 18th and 19th centuries. In the 1970s, renovations were done to stabilize the tower. The ancient tombstones under the Maiden Tower were moved to the cemetery during this time. In 2000, renovation work was done to restore the tower. In 2001, it was reopened to the public. Today, the Maiden Tower is a popular tourist attraction. The tower contains a museum, restaurant, and observation platform. Visit one of the famous monuments of Azerbaijan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Maiden Tower in Baku is a centuries-old structure located in the Old City, near the shore of the Caspian Sea. It is estimated to have been constructed in the 12th or 13th century and is the symbol of the city of Baku. 2. It is believed that the tower was originally part of the palace of the Shirvan Shahs. It is also stated to have been used as defensive building and later as a watchtower for signaling fires to alert cities of danger. 3. The Maiden Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national symbol of Azerbaijan. 4. At an elevation of 28 meters, the tower is composed of 8 levels. The tower’s entrance is located near sea-level and the other 7 levels are located further up. 5. The names used for the tower in Azerbaijani mythology have varied through the centuries, with the most popular being “Qız Qalası”, meaning the ‘Maiden Tower’. 6. The Maiden Tower is a popular tourist destination and is seen as a prestigious monument for citizens of Baku. 7. On the outside, the Maiden Tower is a mix of local Azeri masonry and Georgian brickwork which most likely dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. 8. The Maiden Tower is believed to have been a Zoroastrian fire temple before it was turned into a watchtower. One of the historical monuments of Azerbaijan, it tells the story of a bygone era