Maiden Tower

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Icherisheher station, 5 minutes' walk.
• On foot: At the seaward edge of the Old City, facing the boulevard.
• Inside: Stairs lead up through a small museum to a rooftop viewpoint.

The story of the Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası) is a 29-metre stone tower at the edge of Baku's Old City. Its date and purpose are debated: parts may be much older than the 12th century, and theories range from a fortress to a fire temple or observatory.

Many legends explain its name, most about a maiden who threw herself from the top rather than marry against her will. With the Old City and Shirvanshahs' Palace, it was listed by UNESCO in 2000.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Climb to the top for views.
• Climb to the top for views of the Old City and the bay.
• Read the legends in the museum on the way up.

What's around the Maiden Tower

• Palace of the Shirvanshahs5 minutes' walk.
• Old City lanesCaravanserais and carpet shops.
• Baku BoulevardAcross the road.
• Miniature Book MuseumUnusual museum in the Old City.

Questions travellers ask