The Palace of the Shirvanshahs: History and Facts

Located in the very centre of the city of Baku, Azerbaijan, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs is an architectural marvel to be regarded as the symbol of the greatness of the Shirvan Empire. It is one of the historical buildings that you should visit in case you have ever come to Baku, as it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a site that has a symbolic representation of the Azerbaijan cultural and architectural heritage. The palace was the symbol of the royal way of life in the 15th century in the period of the Shirvanshah dynasty that ruled the land for many centuries.

Prepare for your travel to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Get ready to explore one of Baku's most iconic landmarks by learning essential tips, travel advice, and what to expect during your visit to this historical treasure.

Some Palace of the Shirvanshahs facts

Discover the fascinating Palace of the Shirvanshahs, highlighting its rich history, unique architecture, and cultural significance in the heart of Baku’s Old City.

• Constructed in the 15th century under the reign of the Shirvanshah dynasty.
• It is situated in the Old City (Icherisheher) in the city of Baku, Azerbaijan, which is listed in the UNESCO.
• The complex has a number of structures: the main palace, Divankhana, mausoleum, mosque, bathhouse, and a reservoir.
• Constructed by Shirvanshah Khalilullah I on shifting the capital of the country out of Shamakhi to Baku.
• A pavilion in the shape of eight angles known as divankhana was probably used to host royal receptions and to hold court.
• The mausoleum of Shirvanshah Khalilullah I contains family tombs of Shirvanshah family.
• The palace mosque has one mihrab minaret and a geometric mihrab.
• The royal relaxation and socialization was done in the bathhouse (hammam).
• The palace was made with the help of local limestone and had an unusual golden color.
• The palace is a mixture of the Azerbaijani, Persian and Islamic architecture.
• Proclaimed a museum reserve in 1964 and renovated during the 20th century.
• Included in the UNESCO World Heritage in 2000.
• There are panoramic views of the surrounding old city and the Caspian Sea at the palace.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs history

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs was constructed during the period of the Shirvanshahs dynasty that existed in some regions of present Azerbaijan between the 9 th century and the 16 th century. The Shirvanshahs were a Persianized Muslim dynasty, which was able to retain its independence whilst frequently being vassal to neighbouring larger empires, including the Safavids. Their reign is also characterized by having been involved in the cultural, political, and architectural revolutions.

At the beginning of the 15 th century, Shirvanshah Khalilullah I relocated his capital city to Baku after an earthquake had devastating consequences in Shamakhi. This began the building of the palace which later became the center of power of the Shirvan Empire. The Shirvanshah dynasty was conquered by the Safavids in the 16th century; but the fact is that their palace is one of the most significant historical sites in Azerbaijan nowadays.

Palace of The Shirvanshahs

To explore more remarkable landmarks beyond the palace, check out other examples of famous architecture in Baku that showcase the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs tickets

In order to come to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Baku, Azerbaijan, the general information about the tickets is as follows:

• Normal price: It is about 10 AZN (Azerbaijan Manat) per adult.
• Discounted tickets: Students, children and seniors are offered lower prices; usually 2 -5 AZN.
• Timings: It is typically open between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM every day, although hours could be different, and it is a good idea to call to know the timing.

Getting to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The best means of transport to the Shirvanshahs Palace is taking public transportation where the Red Line metro will pass through Icheri Sheher which is a short walk to the palace. Alternatively, buses 6, 18, 53, 65, and 205 stop at Icheri Sheher Street only eight minutes away. Icheri Sheher is also equipped with parking.

To see how Baku blends historical elegance with modern design, don’t miss these interesting Heydar Aliyev Center facts highlighting one of the city’s most iconic contemporary landmarks.

Architecture and design

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a peculiar mixture of the Azerbaijani, Persian, and Islamic architecture that is impossible to find elsewhere in Baku. It shows the affluence and the sophistication of the Shirvanshah rulers as well as following the aesthetic standards of Islamic world of that period. Some of the key structures that are interlinked to constitute the royal complex are the main palace, a mosque, a mausoleum, a baths, and a reservoir, the royal complex being over one hectare in length.

The Main Palace

The palace is a large majestic two-story house of a complex yet gentle design. It is of local limestone, and is, therefore, warm and golden, particularly in the sunlight. The palace is built according to the chain of halls and apartments, the majority of which were the dwelling places of the Shirvanshah family and the location of the royal meetings.

The rich stone carvings on the main palace, particularly around the doors and windows are some of the most outstanding features of the palace. These carvings represented the traditional art of the Islamic culture that was placed within the contour of the geometric and floral patterns. The palace is also well known as containing two inner courtyards that served as an escape to the summer heat and also as a form of ventilation.

The main palace

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is one of Baku's most iconic historical sites. If you're exploring Baku, be sure to check out other remarkable places to visit in Baku that showcase the city's rich heritage and stunning architecture.

The Divankhana

The Divankhana - a small octagonal pavilion with its central hall is one of the most famous buildings in the palace complex and it was probably a place where the royal family held receptions and crucial meetings of the state. Its position in a separate courtyard implies it was a place of special importance perhaps where the royal ceremonies were performed or the court trials.

The Divankhana is a well proportional dome and exquisite stone latticework. The arcade of pointed arches around the building has made it appear spacious and light despite being very small.

The Mausoleum of Shirvanshah Khalilullah I

The Divankhana is next to the Mausoleum of Shirvanshah Khalilullah I which houses the king and his family. It is a simple and aesthetic building that is distinguished by a sharp dome and a modest facade, which is in accordance with Islam traditions of humility in death. The mausoleum contains no decorative elements in the tombs, but the religious importance of the area is felt.

The Mausoleum of Shirvanshah Khalilullah I

For a striking contrast to Baku’s ancient landmarks, explore the modern marvel of the Baku Flame Towers—a symbol of the city’s contemporary skyline.

The Palace Mosque and Minaret

The palace mosque is another significant section of the complex constructed in the middle of the 15th century and was used by the royal family as the place of worship. The mosque is a relatively small building that has one minaret on top of it. The shape of the minaret is a cylinder, and the design is simple, which was a typical feature of the Azerbaijani mosque architecture during that time. There is a mihrab in the center of the mosque, a niche that points to Mecca and is covered with geometric designs, the atmosphere of the whole mosque is that of quiet piety.

For a look at Baku’s modern architectural achievements, explore Baku Crystal Hall inside—a stunning venue that contrasts beautifully with the city's historical sites.

The Bathhouse

Similarly to numerous royal palaces of that period, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs also has a bathhouse (hammam). The bathroom had 26 rooms with domes and the required consecration was done through the windows. The pylon barriers have already divided the two large rooms of the entire bath into smaller rooms.

The outer rooms were heated by warm air in the inner chambers, called “ichery”, and were referred to in the local dialect as chel and were used as changing rooms. The latter were tank-like swimming-pools that were filled with hot and cold water. The bath was heated with hardened oil and steam was added in tubes in the floors. Due to Bath being only half way above the earth, it was cool on hot days and warm in the winter.

The Bathhouse

Alongside the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Maiden Tower Baku Azerbaijan stands as a timeless symbol of the city’s rich and mysterious past.

The Reservoir

A big reservoir was also part of the palace complex and this was necessary to supply the inhabitants with water. The reservoir demonstrates the level of engineering of the time because water was a valuable asset in the dry climate of Baku. It was created in depiction of self-sufficiency in royal complexes such as this.

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a must-visit historical site in Baku. For those interested in exploring more about Azerbaijan’s rich history, the Azerbaijan Museum Baku offers an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibitions

Conclusion

To sum up, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a great representative of medieval Azerbaijan and represents the royal architecture, holy rooms, and the elaborate stone work. It is situated in the centre of the Old City of Baku, giving a profound cultural experience on the history of the ruling dynasty. In order to make the most out of this historic landmark, it is important to remember to apply online to get your Azerbaijan e-Visa beforehand to save the stress and frustration of arriving at the country without having to trouble about this application.