Home to 450,000 residents, this economic center near the Lesser Caucasus Mountains has deep academic roots with multiple universities and significant historical landmarks along the Ganjachay River.
Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city, sits at the foot of the Lesser Caucasus mountains. Walk through streets lined with 17th-century red brick buildings, stop at the twin minarets of Shah Abbas Mosque, or explore the ancient Imamzadeh cemetery complex. You can taste local Ganja pakhlava at small bakeries, visit one of the five working hammams dating to the 1800s, or take a day trip to the mountain lakes of Goygol National Park.
Getting to Ganja
You can reach Ganja from Baku by train or minibus (marshrutka). The modern train takes about 4-5 hours and runs several times daily. Ganja International Airport connects the city with flights to Baku, Moscow, and Istanbul.
Weather and When to Visit
Ganja experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional snow. September and October bring temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F), making autumn an ideal time to explore the city. Spring months also work well for visiting, though you might encounter rain showers.
Main Religious Buildings
The Shah Abbas Mosque, built in 1606, stands in the city center with its red brick exterior and twin minarets. The mosque's interior walls and domes display Islamic calligraphy from the 17th century. The Imamzadeh Complex includes a mosque, mausoleum, and cemetery within brick walls. Muslims have considered this site sacred since the 8th century.
Parks and Green Spaces
The Heydar Aliyev Park Complex covers 450 hectares with nine entrance gates. Khan's Garden has centuries-old plane trees and paved walking paths. The Ganjachay River flows through the city, with 12th-century stone bridges connecting its banks.
Day Trips to Mountain Lakes
Lake Goygol sits 1,566 meters above sea level, about an hour's drive from the city center. An earthquake in 1139 created the lake, now part of Goygol National Park. You can reach Lake Maralgol through a 2-hour hike on marked trails, where you'll see the clear waters against the mountain backdrop.
Local Food
Try dovga (a yogurt soup with herbs), Ganja pakhlava (made with more nuts and less syrup than other versions), and local kebabs made with lamb or beef. Several wineries in the region continue wine-making traditions from the 12th century. Look for these local dishes in restaurants near the Shah Abbas Mosque.
Museums and Culture
The Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum displays over 30,000 artifacts, including medieval manuscripts and traditional crafts. The Nizami Ganjavi Museum, opened in 2014, contains manuscripts and artwork related to the 12th-century poet. Watch puppet shows in a converted 19th-century Lutheran church, now home to the city's puppet theater.
