The palace of the Shirvanshahs is a 15th-century complex, built for Ibrahim I of Shirvan. It includes the Divanhane palace, burial vaults, the shah's mosque with a minaret, the mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, Murad's gate, a reservoir, and the bathhouse ruins. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Construction of the palace complex began right after Ibrahim I of Shirvan transformed Baku in the country’s capital in 1411. The two-story palace typifies the Shirvan-Absheron style of architecture in its 50 different dimensions and construction outlines that are connected with three narrow winding staircases. This can be seen in the lancet portal leading directly from the courtyard to the octahedral, cupola-covered lodging on the second floor, where another octagonal vestibule at the back connects to other parts of the lodging.

The complex was built over a long period of time. The main building of the palace was started to be built in 1411 and finished around the 1420’s. This is a two storey building located in the highest point of the complex. The Divanhane is a pavilion that consists of an octahedral hall, and it is situated in a small courtyard.

The Divanhame was built in the 1450’s. The shah’s mosque was erected in 1441 while Seyid Yahya Bakuvi’s mausoleum in the 1450’s. In the late 16th century the Eastern portal was built only.

Shirvanshahs Palace was partly destroyed in the 18th century by the Russians but reconstruction work was carried out from then on to restore the complex to its original state. The treasures of the Shirvanshahs palace was transferred to Topkapı Palace in Istanbul.

The building complex currently houses a museum and can be visited daily between 10 AM and 5 PM. Entrance fee is 2 AZN.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Map