The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, attracts attention as a unique vacation destination that combines cultural heritage, modern architecture, and affordable prices, reads an article published in The Telegraph, Report informs.
The publication notes that Baku is becoming increasingly popular among European tourists due to its multifaceted appeal.
It is indicated that the city offers everything travelers are looking for: rich history, impressive architecture, friendly atmosphere, and unique cuisine. In Baku, one can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of cafes, modern bars, and excellent wine, with a glass costing only £2.30.
"In the Old City, caravanserais still stand (now hotels and restaurants) – huge courtyards where merchants would sell their goods, surrounded by cool upper rooms where they would rest before they loaded up their camels again. At the center of these cobbled streets is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (Unesco describes it as an “architectural pearl”) and, like most of Baku, it is built of cream-colored limestone. Surrounded by gardens and cooled by the winds off the Caspian, it is a maze of shady rooms and open courtyards with a mausoleum, hammam, tombs, an ancient mosque and underground prisons that look eerily like oubliettes. The nearby Maiden Tower – built as a symbol of the ancient, fire-worshipping Azeri Zoroastrians – is thought to have been built in the 12th century. Its name derives from the legend of an appropriately flame-haired Azerbaijani Joan of Arc who overcame a would-be invader and saved the city.
"Unlike its neighbor Iran, Azerbaijan has a rather more liberal culture. Everyone is in Western (albeit modest) dress, and English is widely spoken. Perhaps even more surprisingly, Baku has a thriving nightlife with excellent bars and restaurants. Wine not only flows in this Muslim country, it is also produced here," reads the article.
"Wonderfully, Baku has recently gone from being one of the most difficult areas of the Caucasus to reach from the UK to one of the easiest – thanks to the six flights a week launched by Azerbaijan Airlines earlier this year. Better still, few British travellers seem yet to have clocked on. As a tourist here, you’re a much-welcomed novelty. The word, though, is bound to get out soon. I’d enjoy it while it lasts."