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Baku: Off the Beaten Track

If you're looking for a destination that deviates from the usual holiday hot spots, a Baku holiday could be an interesting alternative. It's the capital of Azerbaijan, a country with a fascinating history which sits on the western shore of the Caspian Sea.

Baku's story is a long, interesting and violent one; even in the last 500 years various regional Shahs and Russian rulers have laid siege to it and annexed it on several occasions. Azerbaijan occupied a strategic location between the Russian and British Empires in the 19th century before oil became the big prize.

Baku is now a transformed city built on oil money so what is there to see in the capital city? We'll start with the Maiden Tower – built around 800 years ago it's been a focal point for each subsequent generation. The 'Maiden' was probably a relative of one of Baku's early Khans and may have been imprisoned in the tower at one point. The Maiden Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 500 year old Palace of the Shirvenshahs was built by Ibrahim I after the capital was relocated from Shemakha to Baku. Part of the historical fascination of the palace is the way it lapsed into disrepair until the middle of the 20th century. It's now a sprawling site, some of which is restored and some not but it's a great visit.

One of the few beneficial additions the Russians made during their decades of occupation was the Fountain Square, a spacious public area which features dozens of fountains and places to relax. Cafes and restaurants occupy the periphery for the thirsty tourist.

Baku Old City is another of Baku's World Heritage Sites and parts of it date back around 1300 years. It's the walled area which would have housed the first inhabitants and it's one of the first stops for any visitors. In subsequent centuries fortifications were added and the 19th century cannon emplacements are easy to spot.