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The Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası) in the Old
City of Baku was built in the 12th century on the Caspian Sea. Since 2000, the
Maiden Tower of Baku is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This
famous landmark is a national emblem represented on Azeri currency and official documents. A
staircase from the north side leads to the roof of the eight-story tower, which may have been
used as a lookout. The architecture of the tower is influenced by the Arabic, Ottoman and
Persian architecture. At its maximum capacity, the eight storeys of the tower could accommodate
up to 200 people.
The
name of the Maiden Tower may mean different things. Legend tells of a maiden
who jumped to her death from its top, and the tower’s name may also refer its unconquered
state.
It
presently houses a museum and gift shop. At night during the Noruz festival, the brazier on the
tower is lighted. Entrance to the tower costs around $2.5 USD and it is open from Mon-Sat
between 11:00 AM to 19:00 PM. Once up in the tower one can have a 360 degree view of the city
of Baku.
Maiden
Tower Map
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