Absheron Highlights Private Tour: Ateshgah, Yanardag & Mardakan

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Ateshgah - Fire Temple

  The temple of fire worshippers Ateshgah is located at the Apsheron peninsula at the outskirts of Surakhani village in 30 km from the centre of Baku and was revered in different times by Zoroastrians, Hindus and Sikhs. This territory is known for such unique natural phenomenon as burning natural gas outlets (underground gas coming onto surface contacts oxygen and lights up). The temple in its present state was constructed in the 17th-18th centuries. It was built by the Baku-based Hindu community related to Sikhs. Pentagonal complex has an open courtyard with temple-altar in the center which was the place of pilgrimage for worshippers.

  40 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 2
  Mardakan Castle

  Mardakan Quadrangular Castle (12th century) This imposing rectangular fortress was built in 1187–88 by order of Ahsitan I, son of Shirvanshah Manuchehr III, to commemorate a military victory. A carved inscription with his name and the date can still be seen on its main tower. The structure stands 22 meters tall and features five internal levels connected by a spiral staircase. It’s about a century younger — and 10 meters taller — than the nearby Round Castle. Tuba-Shakhi Mosque (15th century) Located in Mardakan village, this mosque is a rare example of Northern Azerbaijani religious architecture. Built in the 15th century, it was named after a woman who commissioned its construction — a testament to the important role women sometimes played in public life during that time.

  40 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 3

  One of the most famous and popular tourist places of the "eternal flame” in Azerbaijan is the mountain of Yanar Dag. Actually, it is rather a hill than a mountain, with natural gas burning on its slope from ancient times. Meter-long tongues of fire are licking the stratified earth approximately for 10 m in width, searing those who approached too close. People occupy the benches to watch the blazing hill in the evening, when its sight is most effective. Yanar Dag is located 25 km to the north from Baku. From the year 2007 Yanar Dag is declared a state-protected conservation area

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tags

Rating