Ganja

Ganja is the second-largest city in the country, an ancient cultural monument, the industrial center of Western Azerbaijan, the birthplace of the great Nizami. It is a city with a history of 2500 years. Ganja is known for its plane trees, tarragon.

The city of Ganja is located at the foot of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, on the banks of the Ganja River. The city was founded in the VI century. After the collapse of the Seljuk state, in the XII-XIII centuries, Ganja became the second capital of the Atabey state. In the 18th century, Ganja was the center of the Ganja khanate.

The mountains surrounding this area provide a beautiful background, as well as a perfect place to interact with nature. There are many villages, lakes, and rivers in these mountains. Hajikand settlement, which has rich forest belts, is one of the most visited places in the western region. There are many holiday camps here. The flow of the Kurakchay River from the area creates a more favorable opportunity for visitors to relax.

The suburbs are a natural beauty. The region is famous for its mineral springs and unique healing oil - naphthalene produced in the city of Naftalan, 48 kilometers from Ganja. İn the territory has many forests, vineyards, lakes, rivers, and mountains.  Near Ganja, in the neighboring Goygol region, there is a famous Goygol reserve - the first reserve in Azerbaijan.

As a result of a great earthquake in 1139, the city was moved to another location.  As a result of the earthquake, a number of picturesque lakes - Goygol, Maral-Gol, Jeyran Gol, Zaligol, Aggol, Garagel, and Shamligol - were formed.  

In its eastern part of the city, there is the mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi, built in honor of the famous poet of the 12th century. Not far from the center is Old Ganja - an archaeological site with the ruins of an ancient fortress. The Imam- zadeh mausoleum is a complex of religious buildings faced with blue tiles. Other important landmarks of the city include the Juma Mosque with a huge dome and decorative fountains.

Popular tourist attractions in Ganja include Nizami Mausoleum, Ganja Gates, Shah Abbas Mosque, Imamzadeh Tomb, Bottle House, Heydar Aliyev Park, Goygol National Park, and Javad Khan's Tomb.