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Gobustan National Park Museum: Echoes of the Ancients

Explore ancient rock art & mud volcanoes at Gobustan National Park Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Baku, Azerbaijan. Uncover 40,000 years of history.

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The Gobustan National Park Museum, near Baku, Azerbaijan, is a modern gateway to the ancient past, showcasing a remarkable collection of prehistoric rock art. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it protects over 6,000 petroglyphs, offering insights into the lives and beliefs of the region's earliest inhabitants dating back as far as 40,000 years.

A brief summary to Gobustan National Park Museum

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven, rocky terrain at the petroglyph sites.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially during the hotter months, as there's limited shade at the open-air sites.
  • Consider hiring a local guide at the museum for a more in-depth understanding of the petroglyphs and their historical context.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Gobustan National Park Museum from Baku by public transport, take bus number 125 from Azneft Square to the Karvansaray Shopping Centre (approximately 0.60 AZN). Cross the road to Bina Shopping Centre and board bus number 195 to Gobustan House of Culture in Gobustan town. From there, a taxi to the museum is approximately 12 AZN. Keep in mind that bus no. 195 may not be part of the BakiKART system.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    The most convenient way to reach Gobustan National Park Museum from central Baku is by taxi or ride-sharing service. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. A one-way trip typically costs between 20-30 AZN. Negotiate the price beforehand or use a ride-sharing app to ensure a fair fare. The driver will drop you off directly at the museum entrance.

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Discover more about Gobustan National Park Museum

Gobustan National Park Museum serves as a modern portal to Azerbaijan's ancient past, providing an immersive experience into the world of prehistoric rock art. Located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Baku, the museum is the starting point for exploring the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This remarkable destination safeguards over 6,000 petroglyphs dating back as far as 40,000 years. The museum's exhibits delve into the history, geology, and biodiversity of the Gobustan region, offering a comprehensive understanding of the environment that shaped the lives of its early inhabitants. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations guide visitors through Gobustan's history, from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. Artifacts unearthed during archaeological excavations offer tangible connections to the people who once called this land home. The exhibits explore themes depicted in the rock art, including hunting scenes, animal figures, rituals, and astronomical observations, providing insights into the beliefs, customs, and daily lives of these ancient communities. Beyond its historical focus, the museum highlights the unique geological features of Gobustan, characterized by mud volcanoes, rocky terrain, and a semi-arid climate. Information is provided on the formation of these mud volcanoes, which continue to erupt periodically, adding to the region's dynamic landscape. The museum also showcases the diverse flora and fauna of Gobustan, including rare and endangered species that have adapted to survive in this challenging environment. After exploring the museum, visitors can venture to the nearby petroglyph sites to witness the artistry of early humans firsthand. Carved into boulders and rock formations, these ancient engravings offer a glimpse into the minds of our ancestors, revealing their artistic skills, spiritual beliefs, and understanding of the natural world.

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