Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory
Şamaxı Astrofizika Rəsədxanası
An important observatory in the Caucasus built on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus, with a 2-meter telescope. Visits and stargazing can be booked in advance.
The Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory is named after the medieval scholar Nasir al-Din al-Tusi. Built in 1959 in the Pirguli mountains north of Shamakhi at an altitude of about 1,400 m, it houses a 2-meter-class reflecting telescope and is Azerbaijan's center for astronomical research. After renovation it has been opened to visitors, who can tour the telescope domes and the planetarium exhibition halls. Stargazing sessions are held on clear nights. Reservations must be made in advance through the observatory or a travel agency. Nights in the mountains are cold, so bring warm clothing. It is about 20 km from Shamakhi city and 65 km from Gabala, making it a good stop on the Baku–Gabala route.
Opening hours
Visits by reservation
Nearby sights
- Juma Mosque of Shamakhi
- Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum
- Basqal
- Lahij
- Diri Baba Mausoleum
- Ivanovka
- Yeddi Gozel Waterfall
- Nohur Lake