Sheki

Set amidst the lush foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Sheki was once an important trading centre along the Silk Road and remains one of Azerbaijan’s most atmospheric towns. Its beautifully preserved historic quarter is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the surrounding forested hills and orchards lend the town a peaceful charm that provides a marked contrast to the fast-paced dynamism of Baku.

The journey west from the capital towards Sheki is equally rewarding, offering the opportunity to explore some of Azerbaijan’s most culturally rich and scenic sites. The first stop is Shamakhi, the country’s former capital, renowned for its rich literary heritage and the elegant Juma Mosque – one of the oldest houses of worship in the Caucasus. Further into the mountains lies Lahij, a remote stone-built village famed for its cobbled lanes, traditional copper workshops, and an artisan culture that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Nearby Qabala, the ancient capital of Caucasian Albania, combines dramatic alpine landscapes with archaeological excavations that will appeal to history buffs.

In Sheki itself, narrow leafy streets are lined with traditional houses featuring deep wooden verandas and steep gabled roofs, while atmospheric tea houses, local sweet shops and artisan workshops preserve the character of a prosperous mercantile past. Dominating the historic core is the 18th-century Palace of the Sheki Khans, famed for its intricate frescoes, mirrored interiors and delicate stained-glass shebeke windows, masterfully crafted from interlocking wooden latticework without the use of nails or glue.

Another site of interest is the historic Upper Caravanserai, where merchants once rested after navigating the rugged Caucasus trade routes. Today, this fortress-like stone complex offers a glimpse into Sheki’s commercial past. Nearby, the sacred stone church in the village of Kish offers insight into the region’s early Christian heritage. Kish is also an excellent stop for a hands-on culinary workshop, where you can master the art of preparing a traditional Azerbaijani pilav.

No visit to the town would be complete without sampling Sheki halva – the city’s celebrated, melt-in-the-mouth confection of delicate rice-flour pastry, masterfully layered with crushed nuts, syrup and aromatic spices.