Azerbaijan
The Kəpəz is a monstrous Soviet-era hulk of decomposing concrete, whose unreconstructed sense of dilapidation is its source of perverse interest to a few hardy travellers. There's barely a lamp to illuminate the starkly empty 1970s reception area and only the 4th floor functions (no lift/elevator).
Most rooms have water heaters and newer toilets, but don't risk standing on one of the potentially unstable balconies.
4.5 MILES
One of Azerbaijan's most impressive Islamic structures, the İmamzadə is a masterpiece of brickwork and Central Asian–style blue majolica tiles on the…
5.92 MILES
For a surreal slice of transplanted Teutonic history, drive around half an hour south of Gəncə to this agreeable small town founded as Helenendorf by…
17.88 MILES
South of Göygöl are numerous woodland restaurants, then after Hacikənd the road emerges onto a ridge with magnificent views of the Lesser Caucasus range,…
0.31 MILES
Escape the heat of the city beneath the deep shade of these thickly wooded gardens, where a mix of conifers and ivy-wrapped palms create a balmy sub…
6.53 MILES
This pair of gigantic brick gateways dates from 2014 but is designed to evoke the idea of ancient Gəncə's long-lost citadel portal. The portal's original…
0.36 MILES
The 1606 Cümə Mosque features a disconnected double minaret and is credited to Persian Shah Abbas, in whose reign it was built.
1.95 MILES
In the unofficial 'Top Park' competition between Azerbaijani cities, Gəncə's vast Heydar Əliyev Park wins hands down. Along with a fairground, modern-art…
0.53 MILES
Gəncə's central square is dominated by the arcade-fronted City Hall, a powerful example of Stalinist architecture that contrasts with the tree-shaded 17th…
0.05 MILES
Azerbaijan's Gəncə-born 'national poet' (1141–1209) stands opposite the drama theatre, looking across the river towards a puppet theatre that is housed in…
0.14 MILES
The city's most-appealing 'stroll street' has attractive sculptures and a succession of restored brick facades mostly dating from around 1900.
0.31 MILES
Escape the heat of the city beneath the deep shade of these thickly wooded gardens, where a mix of conifers and ivy-wrapped palms create a balmy sub…
0.36 MILES
The 1606 Cümə Mosque features a disconnected double minaret and is credited to Persian Shah Abbas, in whose reign it was built.
0.53 MILES
Gəncə's central square is dominated by the arcade-fronted City Hall, a powerful example of Stalinist architecture that contrasts with the tree-shaded 17th…
0.6 MILES
This 1887 Russian Orthodox Church is still a place of active worship, with a central Byzantine-style dome and plenty of colourful murals and wafting…
0.67 MILES
Worth a 20-second stop if you're passing, this residential home has been transformed into a quirky artwork using hundreds of glass beer, champagne and…
1.95 MILES
In the unofficial 'Top Park' competition between Azerbaijani cities, Gəncə's vast Heydar Əliyev Park wins hands down. Along with a fairground, modern-art…