About this experience
Gala is one of the largest museum complexes near Baku dedicated to ancient life, crafts, and history of Azerbaijan. You will visit a museum-reserve where you can bake bread in an old oven, weave a carpet, mold a jug, or try your hand at blacksmithing. You will explore the secret passages of Gala fortress and admire the panoramic view of the Absheron Peninsula from its tower. Additionally, you will see rock paintings, yurts, medieval constructions, and antique objects that will help you feel the spirit of Azerbaijani culture.
What to Expect
Ancient Azerbaijani Life in an Open-air Museum
Our adventure will begin with a visit to a huge open-air museum featuring ancient excavations, mounds, old dwellings, portable animal skin yurts, pottery workshops, a bakery, a real blacksmith shop, a model of an old marketplace, a camel pen, and much more. Here you will learn and see how Azerbaijanis lived, defended themselves, crafted, and managed their household in ancient times. You will examine preserved ancient household items, dishes, coins, jewelry, and other fascinating artifacts. And if you wish, the museum's craftswomen will decorate your hands with beautiful henna patterns.
Undergrounds and Panoramas of Gala Fortress
You will visit the ancient majestic Gala fortress and learn about its complex history: how it was built, repeatedly destroyed, and rebuilt. By the amazing spiral staircase, you will climb to the top of the fortress and enjoy mesmerizing views of the Absheron Peninsula from above. Then we will descend into the fortress courtyard and wander through the underground secret passages: tunnels once stretched from the fortress to the sea, but now only a small part remains, which will surely impress you.
Ancient Charm at the Antiques Museum
After emerging from the underground tunnels, we will head to the cozy Antiques Museum. You will admire antique interior and household items that people of the past used daily: oil lamps, irons, and even an old phaeton. The main part of the exposition consists of an outstanding collection of vintage samovars, about the creation of which I will definitely tell you.
From Waste to Art Museum of Contemporary Art
To completely return to the present era, you will visit the unusual exhibition of the "From waste to art" museum. Here you can find interesting art objects and contemporary art pieces made from household waste - CDs, wires, light bulbs, wheels, and other seemingly unnecessary items. I will share the story of the museum's founder and its creation - you will be amazed!
On the way back, if you still have energy, we can stop by the "Qala Aylandje" amusement park, where you can enjoy a tasty snack, have some tea, have fun on rides, or simply take a stroll in the picturesque park and adjoining arboretum.
Additional Option: Interactive Tour at the Open-air Museum
If you desire, the museum staff can organize a special "Interactive Tour" that will immerse you in a real fairy tale and allow you to experience Azerbaijani life firsthand: you can weave a carpet, craft a clay jug on a pottery wheel, bake bread in an old oven, and work with a hammer in a real blacksmith shop. Believe me, it's an incredible experience!
Who Should Go on This Excursion
This journey will be interesting for people of all ages. If children are in your group, the open-air museum will offer them a vast area for games and entertainment.
Organizational Details
- Children under 3 years old go on the excursion for free, children up to 12 years old receive a 50% discount.
- Transportation is included in the price if the number of participants is more than 2 people. If you are 1-2 people, an additional 30 euros for transportation is paid.
- All entrance tickets to 3 museums and bottled water are included in the excursion price.
- Henna painting on the hand (for ladies) is paid for by me as a gift.
- The "Interactive Tour" is not included in the excursion price and is ordered on request, costing 75 euros. To order the Interactive Tour, you need to clarify this with the guide in advance.
- The excursion starts from any hotel in the city, where we also return you after the excursion.
- Tip! The museum complex is located near Baku Airport, so it's convenient to book the excursion on the day of arrival. Directly from the airport, we will head to the excursion, and then to your hotel. This way, you can save time and money (no need to order an additional transfer from the airport to the hotel).
- Complex operating hours: weekdays 9:00-18:00, Sundays and holidays 10:00-18:00.
