The Maiden Tower

Azerbaijan’s premier, World famous iconic must see tourist draw.

And I’d never heard of it.

I always cringe with embarrassment when I come across a tourist site which describes itself as World famous, which I have never heard of. I worry why I have missed something so important, obvious and iconic.

The Maiden’s Tower is a pretty impressive fortified tower on the corner of the Old Town, and right on The Bulvar. It is known as the Maiden either because it housed a famously virginal princess, or because like the Walls of Derry, it was never breached as a defensive rampart.

The Maiden’s Tower is meant to be climbed of course for panoramic views of the Old City, The Bulvar and Baku. To get to the top you have to avoid two dangers. First are the low stone doorframes which were not designed for 6 footers.

The second is the mannequins. Mannequins dressed as 13th Century soldiers. Mannequins dressed as 13th Century courtesans. Mannequins propped up in dioramas on every floor. Every floor that is apart from the fourth floor. On the fourth floor you are invited yourself to dress up as a 13th Century mannequin for a photo in an Arabian Nights diorama. Or something.

The views from the top of the Tower are wonderful.