The tower guarding the secrets of Baku
A cylindrical silhouette built from limestone rises at the southern tip of the old town, facing the Caspian Sea. This is the Maiden Tower, known locally as Qız Qalası in Azerbaijani, one of the most recognizable landmarks across Azerbaijan.
In the evening, it lights up and becomes visible from various points around the city, acting like a landmark that anchors your gaze above the rooftops of Icherisheher.
Why visit the Maiden Tower
The monument dates back to the 12th century. An inscription in Kufic script, carved 14 metres up, mentions the "tower of Masud, son of Davoud," which helped historians date it through the paleographic features of the text. The exact construction date remains a subject of debate.
Along with the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, dating from the 15th century, it forms a complex inscribed in 2001 on the Unesco World Heritage list. Today, it stands as one of the country's most distinctive emblems, featured right down to Azerbaijani banknotes.
Eight levels and a spiral staircase
The interior spans eight levels connected by a spiral staircase leading up to a rooftop terrace. On each floor, a museum traces the evolution of Baku. A curious detail: certain windows are not positioned at floor level but run along the staircase itself, pointing upward.
From the top, the view takes in the alleys and minarets of the old town, the Baku Boulevard, the house of Isa bek Hajinski, and a wide panorama of the bay.
A function still up for debate
No one knows for certain what this tower was originally used for. A temple, a lighthouse, or a watchtower are all possibilities, and historians still argue over the question, which perhaps makes the visit more intriguing than a standard historical monument with a fixed explanation.
Friendly tip: Skip weekday mornings during the school term, when student groups fill the interior of the tower. The space is tight and the spiral staircase does not handle crowds well.
Opening hours
Daily: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours vary by season).
Closed on January 1st with early closure on December 31st.
How long for this activity
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the eight levels and take in the rooftop terrace view.
The Maiden Tower is one of the symbols of the city of Baku. It is a very old tower, but it has been well restored. Inside, there are often exhibitions that change regularly. I recommend admiring it from the outside, but you should also visit the inside.