Azerbaijan

Palace of the Shirvanshahs: Medieval Heart of Old Baku

A 15th-century royal palace of pale stone, courtyards and tombs inside the UNESCO-listed walls of Baku's Old City.

Find Your Next Trip

About Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs sits on a hill in the old walled city of Baku, built in the 15th century from warm, pale limestone. It was the home of the Shirvanshahs, the rulers of the Shirvan region, and it still carries the calm, dignified feel of a medieval royal court.

The palace complex is part of the Walled City of Baku, which UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site. It was built over several decades and includes the main palace with its many rooms, the Divankhana (a pavilion for state meetings), a mosque with a minaret, a mausoleum for the ruling family, the tomb of a court scholar, a restored bathhouse and a ceremonial gateway. The rooms are fairly simple inside, with niches, arches and carved inscriptions, and displays of tools, coins and ceramics give extra background — wandering through its courtyards, halls and tombs is a good way to understand the long history of the city before the oil boom.

Popular Tour Packages

View all packages

Explore Azerbaijan: Baku + Shahdag Luxury Tour

5 Days / 4 Nights

4 Nights Accommodation at Alermo Hotel 4* with Daily Breakfast
Private Mercedes Vito Vehicle for all airport transfers and city tours
Exclusive Entrance Tickets: Little Venice, Shahdag Cable Car, Ateshgah & Yanardag
Complete Baku City & Shahdag Sightseeing Tours
Airport Pick & Drop via Private Vehicle
...

Rs. 78,333/ per person

View details Book on WhatsApp

Why Visit Palace of the Shirvanshahs?

UNESCO-Listed Complex

A UNESCO-listed historic complex in the Old City.

Carved Stonework

Beautiful carved stonework, domes and courtyards.

Medieval History

A clear window into medieval Azerbaijani history.

Close to the Maiden Tower

Close to the Maiden Tower and Old City lanes.

Quiet and Photogenic

Quiet and photogenic, even in the busy season.

Local story

Good to Know

The palace suits families, couples, history lovers and photographers, for a visit of 1.5 to 2 hours, or longer with a guided tour. Cars are limited inside the Old City walls, so expect to walk the final stretch.

A dress code applies in the mosque and tombs — cover shoulders and knees — and the complex pairs naturally with the nearby Maiden Tower and Old City lanes in one visit.

How to Reach Palace of the Shirvanshahs

01
Pakistan to Baku
Fly to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, usually with one connection through a Gulf or Turkish hub. Check current routes and book early.
02
Airport to Baku City
Take a taxi or ride-hailing car to your hotel. Many hotels also arrange transfers.
03
City Centre to the Palace
Walk into the Old City through one of its gates and follow the signs uphill. Cars are limited inside the walls.
04
Explore
Buy a ticket, tour the rooms, courtyards and tombs, then wander the nearby lanes.

Things to Do in Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Explore the Palace Rooms

Walk through halls and chambers that once hosted royal life.

Visit the Divankhana

See the open pavilion where rulers held court and state meetings.

Mosque and Mausoleums

Look at the carved tombs and the small mosque inside the grounds.

Photography

Stone arches, courtyards and domes make every hour photogenic.

Bathhouse Remains

See the restored remains of a traditional bathhouse.

Old City Walk

Continue through the lanes to the Maiden Tower and local craft shops.

Best Time to Visit Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Excellent

Autumn

September to October

Warm light, clear skies and fewer crowds. One of the best times.

Recommended season

Good

Spring

April to May

Mild days and fresh air, ideal for a walking tour.

Good time to visit

Good

Summer

June to August

Hot and busy. Visit early morning or late afternoon.

Good time to visit

Good

Winter

November to March

Cool and windy, but quiet. Dress warmly for the courtyards.

Good time to visit

Travel smart

Travel Tips for Palace of the Shirvanshahs

A few useful things to know before you go there.

Check Opening Hours
Hours and closing days can change, so confirm before you go.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Old City has steep, uneven stone lanes.
Hire a Guide
A guide makes the history and symbols much easier to follow.
Bring Sun Protection
Courtyards have limited shade, so carry a hat and sunscreen.
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when entering the mosque and tombs.
Start Early
Mornings are quieter and the light is better for photos.
Do Not Climb or Touch the Stonework
The monuments are old and fragile.
Carry Cards and Some Cash
Cards are widely accepted, though small shops may prefer manat.

Nearby Attractions

Ateshgah Fire Temple

A historic walled temple built around an eternal flame, linked to Zoroastrian, Hindu and Sikh pilgrims on the Silk Road.

View Details

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

A museum shaped like a rolled carpet, home to centuries of Azerbaijani weaving, patterns and craft on the Baku waterfront.

View Details

Baku Boulevard

A breezy seaside promenade with parks, cafes, a Ferris wheel and views across the Caspian, the favourite evening walk in Baku.

View Details

Flame Towers

Three flame-shaped skyscrapers that blaze with light after dark, the most famous sight on the skyline of Azerbaijan's capital.

View Details

Gobustan National Park

Thousands of prehistoric rock carvings, a hilltop museum and bubbling mud volcanoes, an easy half-day escape from the capital.

View Details

Heydar Aliyev Center

Flowing white curves, a world-famous design by Zaha Hadid and a museum inside, one of the most photographed buildings in Azerbaijan.

View Details

Maiden Tower

A 12th-century stone tower with thick walls, an unsolved past and sweeping views over the Old City and the Caspian Sea.

View Details

Location

Find Us on the Map

Explore Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Azerbaijan and get directions easily.