Where is the centuries-old Maiden Tower?

The Maiden Tower is the oldest structure in the historic walled city of Baku, Azerbaijan. It is a mysterious place, probably because no one really knows its age, function, or historical context. Nevertheless, the tower is used as a symbol of Azerbaijan’s capital city, and appears on the national currency.

The tower is 97 feet (30 m) tall and 54 feet (16 m) in diameter at the base and narrows gradually upward. The truncated cone shape, thickness of the walls, and deep foundations are likely responsible for the longevity of the tower; the building has stood since at least the 12th century, but some experts think the original structure may date back even further, to 600 B.C.

It may have served as a Zoroastrian temple, a watchtower, defense tower, or astronomical observatory. Whatever its initial intended purpose, the Maiden Tower has inspired countless poems and fairy tales. The enigmatic tower has taken hold of local folklore, being the stage where many popular legends unfold. The most famous of these tales is the story of a king’s daughter who took her own life by jumping off the top of the tower to escape from a marriage of strategic convenience. According to the legend, this is how the tower acquired its name. Several variations of this story exist in the form of poems, plays, fairytales, and a famous ballet.

The tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. A climb to the top of the tower offers lovely views of both the walled city and the Bay of Baku.