Places to visit in Karabakh

Shusha Castle was built in the 18th century by the Karabakh Khan Panahali Khan and played the role of the main fortification for the defense of the city. Thanks to the strong stone walls and strategic position of the castle, Shusha was considered one of the strongest cities in the region for a long time. Today, the castle is one of the most famous historical monuments in Karabakh for local and foreign tourists.

Chidir Plain is one of the famous places in Shusha. This vast plain is considered one of the best panoramic points for observing the mountainous landscapes of Karabakh. Various holidays, horse races and events have been held here throughout history.

One of the most famous religious architectural monuments of Shusha, the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque was built in the 19th century. Considered a beautiful example of the Karabakh architectural school, this mosque is one of the historical symbols of the city. It is one of the most visited places by visitors to Shusha.

The Agdam Juma Mosque was built by the architect Karbalayi Safi Khan Garabaghi ​​in 1868-1870. Conservation and restoration work began here in March 2022. The mosque has two minarets. Thus, it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of the unique architectural style of the Karabakh region.

One of the most famous monuments in Karabakh is the 18th-century Shahbulag Fortress in the Agdam region. The fortress is located 10 kilometers from the city of Agdam, near the village of Shahbulag. If we look at the history of this fortress, located in a strategic position, we will see that it played an important role in the defense of the region.

The Mansion Complex is a historical architectural ensemble that houses the mausoleums of the Karabakh khans. In 2023, restoration and archaeological research work began at the Agdam Mansion Complex with the participation of local and foreign experts. The complex, which covers an area of 3.3 hectares, consists of buildings intended for holding ceremonies, tombs, a historical cemetery, an equestrian complex for the presentation of Karabakh horses, and a visitor center.

Azykh Cave is considered one of the oldest human settlements in the world. Archaeologists have discovered numerous finds belonging to ancient people here. For this reason, Azyk Cave is considered one of the most important archaeological monuments not only in Karabakh, but also in the entire Caucasus.

Located in the city of Barda, this mausoleum is a medieval architectural monument and is considered one of the oldest religious buildings in the Karabakh region. According to historical sources, the tomb was built in the 12th–14th centuries, indicating that it was one of the main cultural and religious centers of Barda at that time. Architecturally, the tomb bears the characteristics of the Azerbaijani medieval architectural school. The building was mainly made of baked brick, and the simple but elegant ornamental elements on its facade attract attention.

The Ibrahim Mosque, dating back to the 8th–9th centuries, is considered one of the oldest religious buildings in the Karabakh region. Today, the Ibrahim Mosque is considered one of the most important monuments reflecting the ancient religious heritage of Karabakh and the centuries-old history of the region. For travelers interested in historical sites, this monument is one of the most noteworthy places both in terms of architecture and in terms of getting to know the cultural heritage of Karabakh better.

Istisu mineral springs are one of the most famous natural resources of Kalbajar. These mineral water sources are known for their healing properties. Located in the bosom of the mountains, this area is considered an ideal place for nature lovers.

Khudavang Monastery is one of the oldest historical monuments of Kalbajar. This architectural complex, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is considered one of the important monuments reflecting the rich religious and cultural history of Karabakh. As a religious temple dating back to the Caucasian Albania period, the Khudavang monastery complex has a history of more than a thousand years. This monument occupies a special place among the places to visit in Karabakh.

Khudaferin Bridges is considered a historical architectural monument located on the Araz River. This bridge dates back to the Middle Ages and was located on one of the important trade routes of the region. This historical monument is considered not only in terms of architecture, but also as an important indicator of the economic and cultural history of Karabakh. For tourists, Khudaferin Bridges are one of the interesting and unforgettable places both for photography and for learning more about the history of the region.