“Ancient Shamkir City” State Historical and Cultural Reserve
In Azerbaijan’s rich history, there are places that cannot be truly appreciated by reading about them alone—you must feel their atmosphere on site. The Ancient Shamkir City Site is one such historical place, once mentioned with admiration by Arab and Albanian historians and remembered for its strong resistance against Mongol invasions.
The Ancient Shamkir City Site is considered one of Azerbaijan’s magnificent and ancient monuments. It is unique as it encompasses a long historical period from the 5th to the 19th centuries.
According to Arabic sources, in 854–855, the governor of Azerbaijan, commander Bugha al-Kabir, carried out construction and restoration works in Shamkir. Later, he relocated Muslim Khazars and part of the merchants from Barda to this city and named it Mütəvəkkiliyyə in honor of the caliph.
Main historical structures within the reserve:
- Monumental building
- Palace complex
- Apothecary (pharmacy)
- Customs checkpoint
- Icehouse
- Hydraulic structures
- Military barracks
“Ancient Shamkir City” State Historical-Cultural Reserve
Located on the left bank of the Shamkir River at an altitude of 316 meters above sea level, this ancient settlement allows visitors to feel as if they are in a living medieval center.
Here, you discover not only stone walls but also the secrets of the past. Archaeological excavations have revealed prison remains, traces of an ancient pharmacy, engineering examples of Seljuk-era water systems, and various material and cultural artifacts—coins, spherocones, zoomorphic pottery, and more—each whispering its own story.
If you want to enrich your worldview, visit the Ancient Shamkir City Site!
Entrance tickets
For local citizens — 2 AZN
For foreign citizens — 4 AZN
For students — 1 AZN
Excursion service
In Azerbaijani language — 3 AZN
In foreign language — 6 AZN
For motor vehicles
Parking in the reserve area — 1 AZN (during the visit period)
“Use of the territory of the Zagatala historical-cultural reserve for film, video and photo shooting”
Filming of documentary, scientific-popular films — 200 manat
Filming of feature films — 500 AZN
Filming of TV programs — 200 AZN
Filming of music videos — 1000 AZN
Helicopter filming — 250 AZN
Holding events — 500 AZN
Advertising filming of monuments — 500 AZN
Photo advertising shoots — 500 AZN
The payment is set for one working day (from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM).
- TICKETS PURCHASED FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOT REFUNDABLE OR EXCHANGEABLE.
