With a history dating back 1,500 years, Ganja has long been an important cultural centre in western Azerbaijan. It served as the capital of the Ganja Khanate until 1804 and it was ceded to the Russian Empire nine years later. Today, Ganja is a fascinating mix of ancient buildings, modern skyscrapers and monumental landmarks.
Things to do in Gyandzha
In the heart of Ganja is the Juma Mosque, a red-brick house of worship that dates back to 1606. It was built by order of Shah Abbas the Great and is topped by two soaring minarets that were added in 1776. The mosque once had an adjoining madrassa where the renowned Azerbaijani poet Mirza Shafi Vazeh taught.
A short drive east of Ganja is the Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum, which was established in 1947 to honour the 12th-century Persian poet. Designed by the Azerbaijani architect Gorkhmaz Sujaddinov, it comprises a tall, cylindrical building built from granite blocks that is framed by metal statues featuring Nizami’s poems. Surrounding the mausoleum are fountains, ponds and landscaped gardens to explore.
On the other side of Ganja is Heydar Aliyev Park, a 450-hectare public space that can be entered through one of nine gates. Marking the main entrance is the elaborate Triumphal Arch, which leads to the 53-metre-long Main Alley with its beautifully decorated lampposts. In addition to an open-air amphitheatre where concerts regularly take place, the park also features a youth centre, an art museum and a children’s amusement park.
Getting around Gyandzha
Ganja International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre and has flights to Baku, Moscow and Istanbul. Regular trains connect from Baku and Tbilisi to the Ganja railway station while buses travel throughout the city, accessing most of its attractions.