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Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape: Echoes of Ancient Azerbaijan

Journey through time at Gobustan, where ancient rock art and mud volcanoes reveal Azerbaijan's captivating prehistoric story.

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Explore the UNESCO-listed Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a window into Azerbaijan's prehistoric past. Discover over 6,000 petroglyphs dating back as far as 40,000 years, depicting the lives, rituals, and beliefs of ancient peoples.

A brief summary to Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on rocky terrain to explore the petroglyphs.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially during summer, as the area can be hot and dry.
  • Consider visiting the Gobustan Museum to learn more about the history and meaning of the rock art.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby mud volcanoes for a unique natural experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Gobustan from Baku by public transport, take bus 125 from Azneft Square to the Karvansaray Shopping Centre (0.40 AZN). Transfer to bus 195 towards Gobustan, alighting at Gobustan House of Culture (1.30 AZN). From there, a taxi to Gobustan National Park costs approximately 12 AZN.

  • Taxi

    A taxi directly from Baku to Gobustan National Park is the most convenient option. The journey takes approximately one hour and costs around 40-60 AZN. Negotiate the price beforehand.

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Discover more about Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located 60 km southwest of Baku, Azerbaijan. This remarkable site features over 6,000 rock engravings spread across three rocky highlands, offering a glimpse into the lives of people who inhabited this region from the Upper Paleolithic era through the Middle Ages. The petroglyphs depict a range of subjects, including primitive men, animals, hunting scenes, ritual dances, and celestial symbols. These carvings provide valuable insights into the spiritual life, daily activities, and artistic expression of early human populations. The engravings also suggest that the climate and vegetation of the area were once warmer and wetter than today. Besides the rock art, Gobustan is also known for its unique geological features, including mud volcanoes. These natural formations spew out a mixture of mud, water, and gases, creating a surreal, lunar-like landscape. Another highlight is the Gavaldash, a musical stone that produces a hollow, ringing sound when struck with smaller rocks. The Gobustan Museum provides further context, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the site's history and significance. The museum enhances the visitor experience, offering a deeper understanding of the ancient people who created the rock art and the environment they lived in.

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