The Mardakan Castles — Guardians of Absheron
Tall stone towers among Mardakan's summer gardens protected Absheron's villagers from raids for centuries.
In the 11th–14th centuries, when Absheron was part of the Shirvanshah state, the peninsula was dotted with watchtowers and castles that protected villagers from sea raids and feuds. The best-preserved are the two castles in Mardakan, about 30 km from central Baku.
The square castle
Built in the 14th century, its roughly 22-metre tower stands inside a square courtyard with corner turrets. Five storeys inside are linked by stairs. It's now a museum with views over gardens and the sea.
The round castle
The round tower, about 12.5 metres tall, dates from the 13th century; an inscription names its builder, Abdulmajid Masud oglu. It stands in a small walled yard.
Nearby
Mardakan is an old summer-house village with gardens, mosques and an arboretum. The Ramana castle and the north-coast beaches are close by.
Add Mardakan to our Absheron day tour.
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