Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower rises at the southern end of Baku's Old City —Icherisheher—, alongside the Caspian Promenade, its 29-metre cylindrical silhouette visible from several points across the city. It is the oldest and most debated building in Baku: no one has reached a definitive conclusion about when it was built, what it was used for, or why it has that characteristic protrusion on the eastern side. The limestone has taken on a golden ochre tone over the centuries, and at midday the sun lights it up in a way that makes it hard not to stop and stare.

Inside, the Maiden Tower has eight floors connected by a narrow, steep stone staircase. Each floor houses panels presenting the various theories debated throughout history: Zoroastrian temple, lighthouse, defensive watchtower, astronomical observatory. None is fully convincing, and that is part of what makes the visit interesting. The upper terrace offers views of the Caspian Sea, the rooftops of the Old City, and on the horizon, the glass Flame Towers. On clear days the opposite shore is visible.

Maiden Tower Square at the foot of the monument is one of the busiest corners of Icherisheher, with groups of tourists, photographers and postcard sellers from early morning. At night the lighting shifts the colour of the stone to warmer tones and the atmosphere is somewhat quieter. Entrance costs around 4 Azerbaijani manat (approximately €2). The interior is air-conditioned, a welcome relief in summer.

The Maiden Tower was probably built in two distinct phases: the lower section may date from the 6th century BC or earlier, while the upper part was likely added around the 12th century. In 2000, UNESCO declared the walled complex of Icherisheher a World Heritage Site, of which the tower is the most recognisable symbol. The popular legend that gives it its name —Qız Qalası in Azerbaijani, literally «Maiden Tower» or «Maiden Fortress»— tells of a young woman who threw herself into the Caspian Sea from the top to escape a forced marriage. It is the kind of story that arises when no one really knows what a building was for and the architecture defies any simple explanation.

• Interior and permanent exhibition The eight floors of the Maiden Tower house panels on the theories of its origin: Zoroastrian temple, lighthouse, defensive watchtower or observatory. The staircase is narrow and steep; not suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
• Upper terrace The views from the top take in the Caspian Sea, the rooftops of the Old City and the Flame Towers on the horizon. The wind can be strong, especially in winter.
• Exterior square The space in front of the Maiden Tower is pleasant for a short rest. There are several cafés and craft shops in the immediate surroundings of Icherisheher.
• Walls of Icherisheher The tower forms part of the defensive system of the Old City; walking along the nearby walls gives perspective on the whole complex and allows the tower to be seen from different angles.
• Night view Artificial lighting transforms the tone of the limestone after dark. It is worth visiting in the late afternoon too, to compare the stone in daylight and at night.

Photo gallery

The Maiden Tower is located in the heart of Icherisheher, Baku's Old City. The nearest metro station is Icherisheher (red line), two minutes on foot. From the Caspian Boulevard and Fountains Square it is a 10-15 minute walk. A taxi is not necessary from most hotels in central Baku.

The Maiden Tower can be visited year-round. The air-conditioned interior makes summer visits comfortable, when Baku exceeds 35 °C. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring Icherisheher on foot. In winter there are shorter queues, though the wind off the Caspian can be biting. It is worth avoiding weekday mornings during the school year, when school groups fill the interior.