5 Must See Places in Lankaran

1. Lighthouse

One of the unusual sites of Lankaran is a lighthouse... in land!

Based 'near' the Caspian Sea Lankaran's lighthouse used to be next to the sea but as the sea moves out and in according to it's depth, the lighthouse in now inland. The Lighthouse was built in the 18th century and has a hidden feature. Underneath the lighthouse is a secret tunnel that was used when prisoners used to come off the boat next to the lighthouse, and be transported through the tunnel to the next place on the light... The Prison!

2. Stalins Prison

Yes you read that correctly! Of the most famous figures in all of human history was imprisoned here in his early 20's. As you can tell from the photo, this prison has seen better days - and therefore there are no prisoners currently residing here. However this historic building is a link to the importance of Lankaran and it's place on the Caspian Sea as a hub for traffic in and (sometimes) out. However if you were a prisoner here, you might have been treated to some of Lankaran's wonderful food bought from the...

3. Bazaar

You might have been to cities in the past that have a central bazaar set up for tourists to buy expensive items that are cheap and imported, not here! One of the genuinely most fun parts of Lankaran is a walk round the bazaar, probably the best example in Azerbaijan. It's got everything, you just have to look. From the fish and meat market, to it's samovars for sale, to it's everyday items for school, building, materials, authentic clothing, traditional socks, the gold jewellery quarter, the spice market, the freshest fruit you'll ever eat, fresh tandiri bread, sheep wool, car parts it has it all! Life happens at the bazaar, old men sit and discuss news over tea, people from villages come to buy essentials and sell items, in every season it changes as the land does. All I can say it, it's a must see. And seeing as you're close you should see the...

4. Central Mosque

Azerbaijan is mainly Shia Islam and a great example of a Shia Mosque is Lankaran's central Mosque located in it's Bazaar. It's so central that at Namaz time (prayer 3 times a day) many stall workers take it in turns to go here to pray at midday. In the times and seasons of Shia Islam all people will come here to remember important days and figures such as Hussein during Ashura and break fasts here after ramadan. You will hear it produce the call to pray at midday all across the city, even if you're in the...

5. Central Square

Heydar Aliev park is located in the centre of Lankaran and is a real hub for big celebrations. Commonly called the Dosa by locals it is a beautiful space to relax, let kids play on the swings, sit in the shade for cool in the day. If you are here at New Year expect big celebrations and fireworks! It is surrounded by lots of great cafe's and restaurants as well as the theatre being nearby. You should go to the small cafe just at it's entrance where they sell Qutab (a filled flatbread) for less than 50cents each, oh and have a drink with it called Ayran (I ran - not to be confused with the country).

So come visit Lankaran and whilst you're here check out some of our day activities or come on a tour suited just for you!