Architecture in Baku - Explore The Beautiful Design of Paris in The East

Discover amazing architecture in Baku, where old traditions intertwine with the daring contemporary style. The skyline of Baku, including the Old City that is listed as the world heritage site and the modernistic Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Center makes an unforgettable mixture of the past and the future. Tourists who intend to visit these architectural wonders can easily request an e-Visa Azerbaijan, which would make their entry process quick and smooth to visit and enjoy the sight.

A New Era of architectural splendor

Since Azerbaijan gained its independence in 1991, it began to attract foreign investment. The second oil boom in the country was triggered by the signing of a multibillion-dollar agreement to expand the biggest cluster of oilfields in the country which was dubbed as the contract of the century, and the confidence of a grand building spurt that has come to characterize the architecture in Baku.

The economic growth of Azerbaijan had an immense impact on the oil boom in the beginning of the 21st century and offered the funds needed to invest in big scale construction of architectural buildings. It was the time when Baku started to become a modern metropolis that took the world-famous architects and companies to design its skyline.

Iconic structures shaping the skyline in architecture in Baku

Discover the iconic structures defining Baku’s skyline—where modern innovation meets rich history in the heart of Azerbaijan’s capital.

Baku Building Zaha Hadid - Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center has been designed by the great architect Zaha Hadid and is, perhaps, the most renowned modern construction in Baku. It was finished in 2012, and this marvelous structure is renowned due to its fluid and wave-shaped shape that appears to overcome the strictness of the conventional buildings. The flowing lines of the building and the absence of sharp angles is meant to reflect dynamism and fluidity of Azerbaijan today.

First sight will give the impression that the Zaha Hadid Baku cultural center is a building made of one continuous surface, with no sharp angles or edges. The undulating roof is also one of the most noticeable elements of the Heydar Aliyev Center, and it covers 10,000 square meters. The roof which is composed of fiberglass-reinforced concrete, seems to go against gravity in such a way that it bends in a graceful manner to create a series of peaks and valleys.

The Heydar Aliyev Center is the owner of a museum, an exhibition hall, and an auditorium which is a cultural center of the city. The white and futuristic exterior is not only an ode to Azerbaijani modernity but also a promise of new design and innovation, which is characteristic of the organic lines and spatial intricacy of the designs by Hadid.

• Visit time: 11:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m on Tuesday to Sunday.
• Address: 1 Heydar Aliyev Avenue (1 H. Əliyev prospekti), Baku AZ1000, Azerbaijan.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Baku Flame Towers Architect

Another prominent element of modern architecture in Baku is the Baku Flame Towers which was finished the same year as Heydar Aliyev Center. These towers are flame-shaped and designed by HOK International, which is to demonstrate the importance of fire to the Azerbaijani culture and history. The towers are residential apartments, office and hotel and are a blend of luxury and functionality.

The project, which is approximately 28,000 square meters in size, will have three towers placed on a common podium. Despite the conventional use of concrete to form the major structural components of the towers, there was a need to have complex steel constructions to facilitate the specialized roles in their upper storeys. The total space of the project is 245,000 square meters. The towers are connected at the bottom of them by a glass canopy where at the bottom there is a shopping mall where the travelers can take time to visit.

The Flame towers have LED lights that make it look like they are burning at night through the use of lights. This night show does not only improve the skyline of Baku but also honors the ancient Zoroastrian heritage of Azerbaijan, whereby fire was a key element of the religious and cultural activities.

• Visit time: 9:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m daily
• Address: 1A Mehdi Huseyn (street), AZ1006 Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku Flame Towers

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Baku Crystal Hall

The Baku Crystal Hall is a great illustration of modern architecture built expressly to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012. It is placed on the Caspian Sea waterfront and has a multi-purpose indoor arena with a splendid crystalline exterior which is able to light up in different colors which enhances the liveliness of the Baku night sky.

This building is constructed ideally with an aim of being the venue of such big events like concerts, sporting events, and cultural events. Its crystalline exterior is smooth and reflects the landscape around it and gleams in the sunlight. The inside of the Crystal Hall too is spectacular, having a large arena with seating capacity of thousands of spectators. Furthermore, the building is made alive at night time, and the LED lights light up the front of the building, bringing a stunning show of color and motion.

The design and construction of the hall took under one year, which demonstrates the abilities and the desire of the modern architectural and engineering industry in Azerbaijan.

• Visit time: You can only enter the hall in case that date has events happening. However, you can come here to visit and explore the architecture of Baku Crystal Hall.
• Address: Sabail District, Bayil Settlement, National Flag Square, AZ1003 Baku, Azerbaijan.

Baku Crystal Hall

Baku architecture modern - Carpet Museum

It can be said the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum by Austrian architect Franz Janz is an ideal example of such a synthesis. The building, in the form of a rolled-up carpet, is dedicated to one of the most important cultural artifacts of Azerbaijan. This design of the museum is innovative as well as symbolic because the country had a rich history of carpet weaving.

The museum has a huge number of carpets in its interior, displaying the craft and craftsmanship that has been inherited by the generations. The building itself is a contemporary remembrance of this traditional practice and it perfectly combines both the shape and the functionality.

The design of the museum contributes to further enriching the experience of the visitors and the galleries and open spaces are spacious and allow displaying large carpets and immersive exhibits. Natural light is used, coming through skylights and floor to ceiling windows and showing the colorful patterns and textures of the carpets displayed.

• Visit time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m on Tuesday to Friday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday
• Address: 28 Mikayıl Huseynov Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku Carpet Museum

The Carpet Museum is one of Baku’s most unique architectural masterpieces, showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich weaving heritage. If you're interested in exploring more cultural sites, check out the best museums in Azerbaijan for a deeper dive into the country’s history and art.

Port Baku Towers

One of the evidence of the luxury and modern lifestyle in the city is the Port Baku Towers which were completed in 2016. The complex is a mixed-use project, which was planned by a British architectural firm; Chapman Taylor, and features residential, office and retail spaces and offers a self-contained community in the center of Baku.

The modern design of the towers includes glass surfaces and steel but in very big sizes, which make them visually amazing. The architectural design of the Port Baku Towers is also well thought to help achieve maximum functionality, comfort and aesthetics. The residential towers are furnished with the variety of luxurious apartments, including small studios and large penthouses, which provide a panoramic view of the city and the Caspian Sea. The office is made to suit the modern business and has state of art facilities and layouts that are flexible to promote productivity and teamwork.

The towers will have a large retail podium at the base which will provide a wide range of stores, restaurants and facilities which can serve the life of the people and visitors in the city as a whole. The pedestrian experience is also made more pleasant with landscaped gardens and open areas, which also give the city more greenery and relaxation amidst the busy urban environment.

• Visit time: 9:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m daily
• Address: 153 Neftçılar avenue, Nasimi District, Baku AZ1010, Azerbaijan

Port Baku Towers

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Get ready to explore all the architecture in Baku

The modern architecture of Baku is one of the examples of the active development of the city and its desire to transform into a global metropolis. The combination of the innovative design and cultural heritage forms a distinctive architectural environment that is prospective and at the same time also close to the tradition.

Since Baku is still growing and developing, it is a fact that its architecture will be a key ingredient to forming its identity and heritage. The city has made a promise of becoming a city of modernity and tradition so that the city skyline is here to stay as a beacon of innovation, cultural pride, and strength even to future generations.

Azerbaijan Immigration Services offers the easiest experience on visa applications which assists the travelers in applying to an Azerbaijan e-visa in the most expedited manner. In a couple of days, the tourists will be able to come to Azerbaijan and feel free to admire all the architecture in Baku without any problems. And, here we shall start the visa application and go to Azerbaijan!