After meeting at the designated point, we drive to the Absheron Peninsula.
Our first stop is Mardakan Castle, a medieval fortress located in the village of Mardakan. This castle offers a glimpse into the defensive architecture of the region and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. The drive from the meeting point to Mardakan takes approximately 60 minutes. Guests will spend around 30 minutes here with explanations provided by their private guide.
Next, we proceed to the Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve Complex, located about 15 minutes from the castle. This open-air museum in Qala features ancient rock carvings, archaeological artifacts, and reconstructed dwellings that provide insight into the region’s rich history and culture. Guests will visit the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, the Castle Museum, the Museum of Antiques, and the Waste-to-Art Museum. The total visit here lasts approximately 90 minutes, with detailed explanations from the private guide.
The third destination is Balakhani Village, about 30 minutes away from the Gala Complex. Balakhani is a historically significant village in the Absheron Peninsula, known for its role in Azerbaijan’s oil industry. It was here that the country’s oil boom began in the 19th century. Today, visitors can explore the area’s rich oil history and view remnants of the early oil fields. Guests will spend about 30 minutes here, guided by their private tour leader.
The tour then continues to the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, located about 60 minutes from Balakhani. This iconic mosque in Baku is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical importance. Originally built in the 13th century, it was destroyed during the Soviet era and later reconstructed in the 1990s. Today, it stands as a symbol of cultural and spiritual heritage. Guests will spend approximately 20 minutes here with explanations by their private guide.
The final stop of the day is the World’s First Drilled Oil Well, located just 5 minutes from the mosque. Situated in Bibi-Heybat, this site marks a pivotal moment in global energy history. The well, drilled in 1846, was a groundbreaking achievement that triggered the industrialization of oil production in Azerbaijan. Visitors can explore historical markers and exhibits at the Baku Oil History Museum to learn more about the oil boom and its global impact. Guests will spend about 20 minutes here, accompanied by their private guide.
We complete the tour at this point and return to the meeting location. The drive back to Baku City Centre takes approximately 10 minutes.
Trip Info
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4 days before the trip
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Baku
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English
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Included
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Included
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Any hotel or agreed place in Baku
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1 - 200
Overview
If you’re planning to visit some of the most historically significant and culturally rich sites around Baku, this tour is perfect for you. You will explore Mardakan Castle, the Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve Complex, Balakhani Village, the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, and the world’s first drilled oil well—all of which highlight the region’s unique heritage, from medieval fortresses to the birthplace of the oil industry.
This tour also offers a fascinating journey through the city’s transformation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Baku emerged as a global oil capital. Embarking on this tour provides a unique glimpse into the city’s rich industrial past and architectural splendor, offering insights into how the oil industry shaped Baku’s development. It is a captivating journey through Azerbaijan’s deep history, natural wonders, and cultural legacy.
Highlights
- Learn the history of Old Castles and insight into Azerbaijan’s oil legacy
- Get comprehensive glimpse into Azerbaijan's rich heritage in the Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve
- Travel to the World’s first Oil Well
- Explore the iconic structure, cultural and spiritual significance of Bibiheybat Mosque reflecting the region's ancient spiritual heritage
- Visit Balakhani where Azerbaijan’s oil boom began in the 19th century
- See the historic oil derricks that mark the birthplace of industrial oil extraction
