Kesikchidagh State Historical and Cultural Reserve
The “Keshikchidagh” State Historical and Cultural Reserve is located in a border zone with the Republic of Georgia; therefore, an official permit from the State Border Service is mandatory before visiting the area. It is recommended to purchase tickets only after obtaining this permission.
The “Keshikchidagh” cave complex is situated in the northwestern part of the Republic of Azerbaijan, within the border zone of the Agstafa district with Georgia. On October 12, 2005, during the inauguration of border outposts in the area, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, visited the site and became acquainted with its unique landscape and rich archaeological heritage. In order to preserve these historical and cultural monuments, by Presidential Order No. 2563 dated December 19, 2007, part of the Keshikchidagh cave complex was declared the “Keshikchidagh” State Historical and Cultural Reserve.
Formed through neotectonic processes, the complex consists of both natural and artificial caves located along steep cliffs. In ancient times, people used these caves as shelters from wild animals and harsh climatic conditions. The reserve is located approximately 75 km from the Agstafa district center, 28 km northeast of the last settlement, at an altitude of 750–950 meters above sea level, and stretches about 25 km along the border with Georgia.
The area contains historical, archaeological, and architectural monuments dating back to the Stone Age. These include a strategically important peak named after Ilham Aliyev, the three-story defensive Keshikchiqala tower (11 meters high), two Albanian temples located about 1,500 meters apart, over 150 burial mounds (kurgans), 76 natural and artificial caves, 36 frescoes, 23 water wells, 12 food storage facilities, 29 shelters, the sacred “Gudrat” spring, and 6 open-air settlements.
On the way to Keshikchidagh, visitors can observe around 150 kurgans dating from the Middle Bronze Age to the Iron Age. These burial monuments are of great importance for studying the burial traditions, social structure, and beliefs of ancient tribes.
Note: After obtaining permission, access to caves in the direction of the “Ilham Aliyev Peak” is possible. However, routes toward Keshikchiqala and the temples are steep and rocky, making them inaccessible for safety reasons.
Attention!
The Kesikchidagh State Historical and Cultural Reserve is located approximately 75 km from the center of the Agstafa district. Since the reserve is situated in a border zone with the Republic of Georgia, there is no electricity or mobile network coverage in the area.
For this reason, tourists wishing to visit the reserve must first visit the administrative building of the reserve for ticket verification and registration procedures, located at: Agstafa city, 10 Heydar Aliyev Avenue.
Entrance fees:
- Local citizens: 2 AZN
- Foreign visitors: 6 AZN
- Students: 1 AZN
Guided tours:
- Azerbaijani language: 3 AZN
- Foreign languages: 6 AZN
Parking (during visit): 1 AZN
Filming and photography fees:
- Documentary / scientific films: 200 AZN
- Feature films: 500 AZN
- TV programs: 200 AZN
- Music videos: 1000 AZN
- Helicopter filming: 250 AZN
- Events: 500 AZN
- Promotional filming of monuments: 500 AZN
- Photo advertising: 500 AZN
The payment fee is set for one working day (from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM).
Tickets purchased for this event are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
