The Maidan Tower (Qız Qalası in Azerbaijani) is Baku’s iconic building, located in the heart of the Old City.
Standing 28 meters tall, it is the landmark within the city walls and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Built between the 9th and 15th centuries (although some historians place its origins in the 8th-7th centuries BC), it originally stood on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
Its original purpose is still shrouded in mystery, and due to its unique shape, it has served multiple purposes over the centuries.
- Zoroastrian Temple: A place of fire worship before the advent of Islam, where its seven upper openings symbolized the seven levels of paradise.
- Defensive Bastion: A key element integrated into the city walls to protect Baku from attacks by sea.
The tower served as a beacon for Caspian Sea navigators until the early 20th century.
It houses a seven-story multimedia museum that recounts the historical evolution of Baku and its ancient legends.
A terrace at the top offers 360-degree views of the Old City, the bay, and the modern Baku skyline.
To preserve the integrity of the site, there is no elevator, so access is only possible via the original stairs.
