Maiden Tower, Baku

Name: Maiden Tower
Address: Downtown Baku, Baku, Azerbaijan
Telephone: +994 55 847 94 66

#1 among attractions in Baku

Unesco, Memorial, Top attraction

Gallery (14)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sefer azeri / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Urek Meniashvili / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / AlixSaz / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Diego Delso / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ludvig14 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jacobolus / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Xoncha / URL

Facts and practical information

The Maiden Tower, standing proudly in the heart of Baku, Azerbaijan, is a historic monument shrouded in mystery and legend. This cylindrical stone tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become an emblematic symbol of the city. Its origins are steeped in history, with some estimates dating it as far back as the 12th century.

The Maiden Tower's architecture is unique and instantly recognizable, rising to a height of about 29 meters with a diameter of 16.5 meters. Its walls are an impressive 5 meters thick at the base, tapering as they ascend. The purpose of the tower has been the subject of much speculation, with theories ranging from a defensive fortress to an astronomical observatory.

Despite its name, the exact reason for the tower’s moniker, “Maiden,” remains a topic of folklore. One popular tale speaks of a king who fell in love with his daughter, and in her despair, she requested the construction of the tower with the intention of jumping from its summit to avoid the proposed incestuous union.

Today, the Maiden Tower houses a museum that illustrates the historical background of Baku and offers insights into the tower's past. Visitors can climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the old city and the Baku bay. The tower's mystique is further enhanced by the engravings and inscriptions on its walls, which have yet to be fully deciphered by historians.

Local name: Qız qalası Completed: XII centuryHeight: 97 ftCoordinates: 40°21'58"N, 49°50'14"E

Address

Downtown BakuBaku Azerbaijan

Contact

+994 55 847 94 66

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Baku

Day trips

Maiden Tower – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Old City, Baku Khans' Palace, Baku Puppet Theatre, Paired Fortress Gates.

~530 ftSW
Historic city center with 12th-c. walls
Old City, Baku
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Baku, Azerbaijan, lies the Old City, known locally as İçərişəhər, a historic fortress that stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural tapestry. Enclosed within ancient walls, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a captivating blend...
~710 ftN
Palace
Baku Khans' Palace, Baku
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of the historic walled city of Baku, Azerbaijan, lies the Baku Khans' Palace, a testament to the city's vibrant past and architectural heritage. This 18th-century edifice, also known as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, served as the seat of power...
~630 ftNE
Concerts and shows, Theater
Baku Puppet Theatre, Baku
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, the Baku Puppet Theatre stands as a charming testament to the city's cultural heritage and its dedication to the performing arts. This enchanting theatre has been a fixture in Baku's artistic landscape...
~970 ftN
Forts and castles
Paired Fortress Gates, Baku
5 min walk • The Paired Fortress Gates of Baku, Azerbaijan, are an architectural testament to the city's rich historical tapestry. These two symmetrical gates, part of the Baku's ancient fortification system, reflect the strategic importance and the cultural influences that have...
~230 ftSW
Caravanserai
Two-Storeyed Caravanserai, Baku
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, stands the historic Two-Storeyed Caravanserai, a testament to the city's rich past as a trading hub on the Silk Road. This architectural marvel, dating back to the 14th century, is a prime example of the...
~700 ftW
Mosque
Beyler Mosque, Baku
4 min walk • Nestled within the historic fabric of Baku, Azerbaijan, the Beyler Mosque stands as a testament to the city's rich Islamic heritage. This serene place of worship, characterized by its architectural elegance and spiritual ambiance, offers a glimpse into the religious...
~1020 ftNW
Memorial
Quadrangular Tower, Baku
5 min walk • The Quadrangular Tower, also known as the Qiz Qalasi or Maiden Tower, is an iconic structure located in the heart of Baku, Azerbaijan. With its enigmatic history and unique architecture, it has become a symbol of the city and a must-see attraction for visitors.
~210 ftN
Caravanserai
Multani Caravanserai, Baku
2 min walk • Multani Caravanserai was established in the 14th century in Baku. It is opposite to the Bukhara Caravanserai. Now Multan is the name of the city in Pakistan.
~950 ftSW
Memorial
Khidir Mosque, Baku
5 min walk • Khidir mosque is a historical mosque of the XIV century. It is a part of Old City and located on Muslim Magomayev street, in the city of Baku, in Azerbaijan.
~760 ftSW
Memorial
Sayyid Yahya Murtuza Mosque, Baku
4 min walk • Sayyid Yahya Murtuza mosque or Hazrat Ali mosque is a historical mosque of the 17th century. It is a part of Old City and located on Asaf Zeynalli street, in the city of Baku, in Azerbaijan.
~200 ftN
Caravanserai
Bukhara Caravanserai, Baku
1 min walk • Bukhara Caravanserai was erected in the late 15th century over a trade route passing through the Shamakhi Gates of the fortress. It is close to the Maiden Tower. The caravanserai was harnessed as a hotel, basically catering to merchants of Central Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Maiden Tower?

Nearby attractions include Shaki Caravanserai, Baku (1 min walk), Baba Kuhi Bakuvi Mosque, Baku (1 min walk), Bukhara Caravanserai, Baku (1 min walk), Multani Caravanserai, Baku (2 min walk).

How to get to Maiden Tower by public transport?

The nearest stations to Maiden Tower:

Bus

Kukla teatrı • Lines: 88 (4 min walk)
Azneft meydanı • Lines: 6, 88 (9 min walk)

Metro

Icarisahar • Lines: 1 (8 min walk)
Sahil • Lines: 1 (14 min walk)

Train

Baku Central Railway Station (31 min walk)