Ateshgah Fire Temple, Yanardag Nature Reserve, Balakhani settlement, Surakhani settlement, Modern building of Azerbaijan State Oil Company SOCAR, Heydar Aliyev Centre, Highland Park, Baku Boulevard
Let’s embark on a fascinating journey through the ‘Land of Fire’:
Our first stop is the Ateshgah Fire Temple (17th-18th century) in the Surakhani settlement. For centuries, it has attracted curious visitors. Centered around a natural flame source, this site was a place of worship for Zoroastrians and an important pilgrimage center for Hindu fire worshippers until the 1880s. Today, it stands as an open-air museum.
Continuing our ‘fire tour,’ we’ll explore the State Historical, Cultural, and Natural Reserve of YanarDag. Translating to ‘Burning Mountain,’ this site features a natural gas fire that has been continuously burning for over 20,000 years. Marco Polo described this mesmerizing phenomenon in the 13th century, and it continues to captivate visitors today.
Our excursion takes us to Balakhani, known for its vast underground oil reservoirs and as the country’s first oil extraction site. Evidence of its historic significance lies in a stone found in an ancient oil well, inscribed with the words: ‘This well was dug in 1594 by master Allahyar ibn Muhammad Nuri.’ Over the course of a century and a half, the village came to boast 52 oil wells. By the early 19th century, Balakhani had become a hub for oil magnates.
The story of Azerbaijani oil story began with the launch of the Balakhani-Baku oil pipeline. Today, Balakhani has been fully renovated and stands ready to narrate Azerbaijan’s oil boom history. The museum village features charming, brightly painted facades reminiscent of fairy-tale cottages, adorned with murals and vibrant floral decorations. Souvenir shops and cozy cafes add to its unique charm.
Near Balakhani lies the Surakhani settlement. Its name, meaning ‘place of burning, is associated with natural gas burning. Surakhani is also known for its oil industry traditions; in 1857, entrepreneur Vasily Kokorev began constructing the world’s first oil refinery here.
Returning to Baku, we will pass along one of the city’s most beautiful avenues. One of its landmarks is the modern building of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR). The project, which received a ‘Special National Award’, is designed based on the theme of building ‘Wind and Flame.’ The structure resembles a tower split into tongues of fire. The top of the first ‘tongue’ reaches approximately the 22nd-23rd floor level. The facade undulates from the base to the top, further emphasizing the theme of flames.
Our tour will conclude with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. This magnificent 21st-century architectural structure will amaze you with its stunning curves, creating abstract waves and peaks that flow seamlessly into one another. Exploring and photographing the ever-changing exterior from different angles is a true delight. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo next to the iconic ‘I love Baku’ sign.
Would you like to get closer to Baku’s most popular landmark? The Baku Flame Towers business and hotel complex consists of three towers. Their surfaces are entirely covered with LED screens that display various moving visuals, visible well into the evening from distant parts of the city. Take a stroll along the Alley of Martyrs, a site often included in the protocols of official foreign visits, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the highest point in our capital—the Baku Highland Park.
Descend to Baku Boulevard to see the International Mugham Center, designed in the shape of a tar, a traditional Azerbaijani string instrument. This venue was created to promote Azerbaijani ‘mugham’ (a genre of folk music) worldwide. Nearby is the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz in the form of a rolled-up carpet.
As you stroll along the decorative bridges of “Little Venice,” one of Baku’s gems, you’ll encounter a charming water town composed of several small islands. Consider taking a colorful gondola ride through the emerald-clear waterways.
Transportation according to the program
Professional guide (English, Russian, Arabic)
Tickets to the museums(per person): Heydar Aliyev Centre- 9$ (optional), Ateshgah and Yanardag – 9$ (compulsory)
Pick-up time: 10:00
Pick-up / drop-off point: your hotel in Baku
The organizer reserves the right to change the order of the places to visit in case of necessity.
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