Shamakhi is an ancient Azerbaijan city. It started in the 5th century BC. In the 9 th -16 th centuries it was the capital of Shirvan Empire, a residence of Shirvan Dynasty it is by right considered one of the most beautiful cities of the Orient. In the mid-18 th century it used to be the center of Shamakhi Khanate.

Present day Shamakhi is a recognized center of winemaking and carpet weaving. Besides, it is a city of literature since it was the native land of many Azerbaijani poets. Right near Shamakhi there is an amazing place called Pirkuli famous for its snowy hills. It is probably the only place in sunny Azerbaijan where you can enjoy active winter pastime: skiing and snowboarding.

The main landmark of the city is Gulistan fortress (11 th – 12 th centuries) – the last refuge of Shirvan Dynasty built for the city's defense. Equally interesting are the mausoleum of Addy-Gyumbez (“The Seven Domes”) with numerous burial places of Shamakhi governors, Djuma cathedral mosque (10th century, reconstructed in the 19 th century), numerous ruins of the 10 th – 17 th centuries.

Shamakhi is one of Azerbaijan’s most historic cities and the birthplace of legendary Azerbaijani poets.

Juma Mosque      

Shamakhi’s greatest landmark is Juma Mosque, one of Azerbaijan’s largest and most lavish places of worship. While the current structure was reconstructed in 2013, the earliest version was built way back in 743AD, making this the second oldest mosque in the Caucasus and the oldest in Azerbaijan.

Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory

Located 22 kilometres north of Shamakhi’s city centre along a scenic road leading into the Caucasus Mountains, the settlement of Pirqulu is home to the largest astrophysical observatory in the Caucasus. Named after 13th-century astronomer Nasreddin Tusi, the observatory was established in the Soviet era when it was used to great effect to study the stars and secrets of the universe. While it continues to be at the forefront of Azerbaijani astrophysics today, there are also facilities for visitors: you can browse a small museum, admire the largest telescope in the region and even do some stargazing if visiting after dark.

Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum

Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum – is a cemetery located 1,5 km south to Şamaxı where three mausoleums from “Yeddi Gumbaz” group are still saved. Other mausoleums of the group are partly destroyed and are without cupola or walls. The mausoleum belongs to the beginning of the 18th century. This architectural monument was built for a family of Mustafa khan – the last khan of Shamakhi.

Alpaca Azerbaijan

Located in Meysari Village, Shamakhi just 120KM away from Baku, "Alpaca Azerbaijan" is the first alpaca breeder and farm in the country, specializing in alpaca fleece processing and production of high-quality alpaca products as well as the first of its kind interactive farm where you can bring your family and children to get to know our beautiful animals.

Safari Park

An exciting adventure awaits ecotourists and wildlife lovers in the Shamakhi region: a real safari in the picturesque Caucasus Mountains. The modern Shamakhi Safari Park covers an area of over 1,000 hectares in the high-mountain area of Pirgulu and is home to more than 1,000 wild animals brought over from different countries. Here, you have every chance of meeting and even photographing red deer, Altai wapiti, mouflon, alpaca, bison and yak in their natural habitat.