Shamakhi

The old capital of Shirvan, about two hours from Baku: the Juma Mosque, wineries in the hills and a natural stop on the road to Sheki and Gabala.

From Baku: ≈ 2 h by road
Best for: Heritage, wine, day trips
Season: Year-round
Recommended stay: Day trip or 1 night

About the region

Shamakhi, the old capital of Shirvan, is one of the oldest towns in Azerbaijan and lies about two hours west of Baku. Its Juma Mosque is among the oldest in the Caucasus, and the Diri Baba mausoleum, built into a cliff at Maraza, stands on the road from Baku. The hills around the town are wine country, with wineries that welcome groups for tours and tastings. Shamakhi works as a day trip from Baku or as the first stop on the way to Sheki or Gabala.

What to see

Juma Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus.

Diri Baba Mausoleum

A 15th-century tomb built into a cliff at Maraza, on the road from Baku.

Glasses of rosé, white and red wine on a barrel in a vineyard

Wineries

Tours and tastings in the hills around the town.

On the way

Lahij craftsmen village (detour)
Gabala, further along the road
Sheki and its Khan's Palace

What we arrange here

Day trips from Baku with a guide
Winery visits and tastings
Coaches and guides for groups
Stops on the way to Sheki or Gabala

Where to stay in Shamakhi

Most groups stop in Shamakhi on the way; for an overnight stay we book a resort in the mountains nearby. Rates and availability come with the proposal.