Shamakhi is a city in Azerbaijan and the administrative centre of the Shamakhi District. The city's estimated population as of 2010 was 31,704. It is famous for its traditional dancers, the Shamakhi Dancers, and also for perhaps giving its name to the Soumak rugs.
Spring (April - June): Pleasant weather (15-25°C), green landscapes, and blooming flowers.
Summer (July - August): Warm (25-32°C), great for visiting vineyards and mountain areas.
Autumn (September - November): Mild (10-22°C) with beautiful fall colors, perfect for hiking.
Winter (December - February): Cold (0-10°C), but good for historical sightseeing.
By Car: A 2-hour drive from Baku (120 km) via the Baku-Shamakhi highway.
By Bus: Buses run daily from Baku’s International Bus Terminal (around 2.5 hours).
By Taxi: Private taxis or shared taxis are available from Baku.
Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque) – One of the oldest mosques in Azerbaijan, built in the 8th century.
Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum – Historical tombs of Shamakhi’s ruling dynasty.
Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory – A must-visit for stargazing enthusiasts.
Pirgulu National Park – Ideal for hiking, nature walks, and mountain views.
Gulistan Fortress – A medieval fortress with panoramic views.
Meyseri Winery – A great place to taste Azerbaijani wines.
Lahij Village (Nearby) – Famous for traditional copper craftsmanship.
Explore Juma Mosque’s rich history and architecture.
Visit the observatory for a night of stargazing.
Hike in Pirgulu National Park and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Tour Meyseri Winery to taste local wines.
Discover ancient tombs at Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum.
Visit the historic Lahij Village and watch artisans at work.
Luxury:
Shamakhi Palace Sharadil – A top-notch resort with spa facilities.
Mid-Range:
Qiz Qalasi Hotel – Comfortable and centrally located.
Budget:
Local guesthouses and eco-lodges – Ideal for a cozy stay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shamakhi-style kebabs – Famous for their rich taste.
Piti – A traditional slow-cooked lamb stew.
Lavash bread with local cheese and honey.
Fresh mountain herbs and dairy products.
Top Restaurants:
Shirvan Sofrasi – Traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.
Meyseri Wine House – Great for wine and cheese pairings.
Caspian Restaurant – Known for delicious kebabs.
Rich History: Shamakhi was once the capital of the Shirvanshah dynasty.
Astronomy: Home to one of the largest observatories in the region.
Handicrafts: Lahij Village is famous for copperware and handmade souvenirs.
Wine Tradition: One of Azerbaijan’s top wine-producing regions.