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Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Preserve Museum

Journey through time at Gobustan's UNESCO site: Explore ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and captivating history near Baku.

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Explore ancient rock carvings at the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Preserve Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 70 km southwest of Baku. Discover over 6,000 petroglyphs dating back as far as 40,000 years, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life in the Caucasus.

A brief summary to Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Preserve Museum

  • 496H+MGM, AZ
  • 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 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven rocky surfaces while exploring the petroglyphs.
  • Visit during the spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October) for mild and comfortable weather.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the petroglyphs and their historical significance.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby mud volcanoes for a unique geological experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Gobustan from Baku via public transport, take bus number 125 from Azneft Square to the Bina Shopping Center (approximately 0.60 AZN, 30 minutes). Then, cross the road to the Bina Shopping Center and board bus number 195 towards Gobustan (approximately 1.30 AZN, 45 minutes). This bus will take you to the center of Gobustan town. From there, take a local taxi to the Gobustan National Park, which should cost around 12 AZN and take about 10 minutes.

  • Taxi

    A taxi directly from Baku to Gobustan National Park will take approximately 1 hour and cost between 27-33 AZN. Negotiate the price beforehand. Some taxi drivers may offer a tour package including the mud volcanoes and the petroglyphs, ensure the price and destinations are agreed upon before starting the trip.

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Discover more about Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Preserve Museum

The Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Preserve Museum, situated approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Baku, Azerbaijan, is a treasure trove of ancient history and culture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects a remarkable collection of over 6,000 petroglyphs, or rock carvings, that narrate the story of human civilization in the Caucasus from the Upper Paleolithic era through the Middle Ages. The petroglyphs, etched into the rocks of Gobustan over millennia, depict a wide array of subjects, including animals, humans, battle scenes, ritual dances, and celestial symbols. These carvings offer invaluable insights into the lives, beliefs, and artistic expressions of the prehistoric people who inhabited this region. The museum enhances the experience, providing context and interpretation of the petroglyphs, along with exhibits showcasing archaeological discoveries from the area. Beyond the petroglyphs, the preserve is also known for its mud volcanoes and natural musical stones. The surrounding landscape features semi-arid terrain and rocky highlands, creating a unique and captivating environment for exploration. Visitors can explore the petroglyphs on the upper surfaces of Boyukdash and Kichikdash mountains. The museum itself offers interactive displays, including touch screens and 3D elements, providing information about world rock art, the natural environment of Gobustan, and the lifestyle of Stone Age people. The discovery of the petroglyphs was accidental, found by quarry workers in the 1930s. The area was declared the Gobustan State Historical Artistic Preserve in 1966 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.

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