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Ateshgah of Baku

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Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)

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The Ateshgah of Baku, often called the Fire Temple, is a fascinating religious monument on the Absheron Peninsula. This castle-like structure was built in the 17th and 18th centuries by Indian settlers in Baku who were Hindus and Sikhs. However, the temple was erected on a site considered sacred by Zoroastrians for millennia, due to the eternal fires produced by natural gas sources. The central element is an altar with an eternal flame, surrounded by a complex of cells where pilgrims and ascetics once lived. The flame was fed by a natural gas leak until Soviet exploitation of the resources depleted the source; today it is maintained artificially. The Ateshgah is a unique testament to the convergence of different cultures and religions along the Silk Road.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C66811172326272318128
Rain mm161516131063413222517

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Ateshgah of Baku is a historic fire temple accessible as a museum. You can visit the central sanctuary and surrounding buildings.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during daylight. It is advisable to check exact times in advance.
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Photography
Photography is allowed indoors and outdoors, but without flash. Tripod shots are only allowed with permission.
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Time needed
A visit usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. For a thorough exploration, allow one hour.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Yanar Dag (burning mountain) and Gobustan National Park. The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
Ateshgah is about 30 kilometers east of Baku and reachable by bus or taxi. Buses depart regularly from the Baku bus station.
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Insider tip
Visit the temple in the late afternoon to see the natural gas flame in the best light. Bring a water bottle as it can get hot outside.

Geography

Coordinates
40.41540, 50.00580

Facts

  • The complex was built in the 17th-18th centuries.
  • It was used by Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian worshippers.
  • The name 'Ateshgah' means 'home of fire'.
  • The central flame was originally fed by a natural gas vent.
  • The complex has a pentagonal shape with a central courtyard.
  • It ceased to be a place of worship after 1883.
  • It was converted into a museum in 1975.
  • The site was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ramana CastleRamana Castle5 km · NWExplore →
Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil RefineryHeydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery8 km · SWExplore →
Balakhany Oil FieldBalakhany Oil Field9 km · NWExplore →
BakuBaku11 km · WExplore →
Üzümçülük TürkanÜzümçülük Türkan13 km · EExplore →
Baku ZooBaku Zoo14 km · WExplore →
Yanar DagYanar Dag14 km · NWExplore →
Dalga Beach AquaparkDalga Beach Aquapark14 km · NEExplore →

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Sights in the town Ateshgah of Baku (10)

At@sgah M@b@di

Fire temple in Baku, Azerbaijan.

S@hidl@r Abid@si

Monument in Baku.

Suraxani Dair@si

Attraction in the Suraxanı district, Baku.

Abid@ Ucyol

Monument at a road junction in Baku.

NL R@qs M@kt@bi

Dance school in Baku.

G@ncl@r Evi

Theatre in Baku.

M@d@niyy@t Sarayi S@ttar B@hlulzad@

Palace of Culture in Baku, named after Səttar Bəhlulzadə.

Heyd@r @liyev abid@

Monument to Heydər Əliyev in Baku.

Hamam

Bathhouse in Baku.

Heyd@r @liyev Muzeyi🏛 museum

Museum in Baku, dedicated to Heydər Əliyev.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Ateshgah?
In the suburb of Suraxanı, near Baku.
How long is a tour?
Approx. 45-60 minutes.
Are photos allowed?
Yes, everywhere.
Is it child friendly?
Yes, the history is visual.
Can you buy souvenirs?
Yes, there is a shop at the entrance.
Ateshgah of Baku: where is it located?
Ateshgah of Baku is located in Azerbaijan.
Ateshgah of Baku: what is there to see?
Highlights include At@sgah M@b@di, S@hidl@r Abid@si, Suraxani Dair@si.
Ateshgah of Baku: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Ateshgah of Baku: why is it worth visiting?
The Ateshgah of Baku, often called the Fire Temple, is a fascinating religious monument on the Absheron Peninsula.
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Nearby cities

Baku — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Baku
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and the largest city on the Caspian Sea.
🗺️
Zire
A quiet settlement at the eastern tip of the Absheron Peninsula, known for eco-tourism and olives.
Türkan — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Türkan
A coastal village on the Absheron Peninsula, famous for its sandy beaches and agriculture.
🗺️
Corat
A historic settlement on the Caspian Sea coast, famous for its traditional cuisine and proximity to the sandy beaches of Novkhani.
Ləhiş bağları — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Ləhiş bağları
An exclusive villa district on the Absheron Peninsula by the Caspian Sea, popular for its summer residences.
Üzümçülük Türkan — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Üzümçülük Türkan
A coastal settlement on the Absheron Peninsula by the Caspian Sea, known for its quiet beaches and regional viticulture.
🗺️
Sahil
A coastal settlement in the Garadagh district of Baku, situated on the Caspian Sea shore.

History & landmarks

Heydar Aliyev Center — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Heydar Aliyev Center
A world-renowned cultural center designed by Zaha Hadid, famous for its flowing, wave-like architecture.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
An outstanding 15th-century architectural complex, considered a pearl of Azerbaijani architecture.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
A unique museum shaped like a rolled carpet, housing the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets.
Baku Crystal Hall — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Baku Crystal Hall
A multi-purpose indoor arena on the coast of the Caspian Sea, known for hosting the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.
Flame Towers — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Flame Towers
A striking trio of skyscrapers in Baku, shaped like flickering flames.
Bibi-Heybat Mosque — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Bibi-Heybat Mosque
An impressive mosque that was reconstructed in the 1990s after being destroyed in 1936.

More places

Ateshgah of Baku — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Ateshgah of Baku
A historical temple used by Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Sikh worshippers due to its natural gas flames.
Ramana Castle — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Ramana Castle
A 14th-century watchtower and fortress near Baku, part of the historical defensive network of the peninsula.
Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery
The Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery in Baku processes crude oil into various petroleum products and is the main refinery in Azerbaijan.
Balakhany Oil Field — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Balakhany Oil Field
The Balakhany Oil Field on the Absheron Peninsula is one of the oldest industrially developed oil fields in the world, where the Baku oil…
Baku Zoo — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Baku Zoo
The oldest zoological garden in the country, home to a variety of local and exotic animal species.
Dalga Beach Aquapark — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Dalga Beach Aquapark
One of the largest water parks in Azerbaijan, offering numerous slides and pools for children.
Gala Archaeological Reserve — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Gala Archaeological Reserve
An open-air museum in the Absheron Peninsula presenting archaeological finds, historic dwellings, and artifacts from the 3rd millennium BC.
Mardakan Castle — Ateshgah of Baku (Azerbaijan)
Mardakan Castle
A medieval quadrangular fortress built in the 12th century by the Shirvanshahs to defend against sea-borne enemies.