Distance from Baku

311 km

Population

98,8 thsd person

How to get to

Auto transportation: buses Baku – Mingachevir – 5 hours
By train: Baku-Mingachevir -7 hours, Baku – Gasakh – 9 hours, Baku – Agstafa – 10 hours

The industrial city of Mingachevir was founded in the late 40s, early 50s of the XX century. It is the fourth largest city in Azerbaijan by population. The Kura river on the banks of which the city is located, escapes here out of the gorge made in Bozdag mountains into Kura-Araz valley. Now the valley of the river is blocked by the hydroelectric dam. The big Mingachevir reservoir was formed in the place of gorge and large areas of dry fertile lands are irrigated by its waters and convenient ways in different directions were laid instead of former dead end road here.
Despite the fact that Mingachevir is a young city, archeological excavations that took place here have shown that the earliest human settlements at this place existed in the VI century BC – III century BC.

In particular, at the territory of the settlement Suagylan were found remains of an ancient place of worship. An interesting thing is a big stone cap carrying a symbolic image of two peacocks facing the flower – the tree of life. It’s made of soft yellowish stone. In its upper part an Albanian inscription is carved. Greek, Roman, Sasanian coins found here can attribute the constructed buildings to V-VI centuries. On the right bank of Kura river is one more of city attractions – Pitcher Burials. Many pitchers, pottery and other ancient utensils were found in these graves that is why these graves are called so.

Today Mingachevir attracts a lot of local and foreign tourists. The city has modern buildings with interesting architecture including a large new mosque. As of particular interest of city guests are places near Kura with good restaurants and tea houses. Close to the city is an artificial lake with small beach. On the bank of Kura river is located an Olympic rowing base “KUR”. Leading athletes of the Soviet Union were preparing for the competitions here in the past. Tourists can visit an acting Olympic sport centre with pool and tennis court.

You can stay in Mingachevir in hotel “Kainat” in the western part of the city, tourist camp “Gunashli” and other recreational areas. The following out of well known restaurants can be mentioned: “Ateshgah”, “Ana Kur” and café “Kosmos”. Guests there will be served with deliciously cooked national and European dishes.