Ethnographic Museum Gala Tour, Castles Ramana And Mardakan

Ethnographic Museum Gala, Ramana and Mardakan Fortresses

The Absheron Peninsula, on which the capital city of Baku is located, has several medieval fortresses that once functioned as defensive and watchtowers. Today, we will visit the Ramana and Mardakan fortresses, which were important parts of this defensive system.

We will begin with a tour of the fortress in the village of Ramana. By the 11th–12th centuries, Baku had become a major commercial and maritime port on the Caspian Sea. For security reasons, the rulers of the Shirvanshah dynasty began large-scale construction projects to strengthen the city's fortifications. Three rows of fortress walls were built around the city, and a deep moat was dug. In addition, defensive structures in the form of signal towers and small fortresses were built on the surrounding hills and mountains.

All these towers and fortresses formed part of a unified defensive system that extended across the Absheron Peninsula.

The construction of many of these towers and fortresses dates back to the 11th–12th centuries. These include the famous Maiden Tower, Sabail Fortress, Ramana Fortress, and Mardakan Fortress. During this excursion, we will visit the Ramana and Mardakan fortresses.

Excursion to the Gala Ethnographic Museum

The famous historical and ethnographic open-air museum "Gala" is located approximately 40 kilometers from Baku. The museum was founded in 2008 at the site of archaeological excavations in the village of the same name and is dedicated to the history and culture of the Absheron Peninsula. Here, you can discover how Azerbaijanis lived, ate, worked, and farmed between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The museum covers an area of approximately 1.2 hectares. It features ancient dwellings, including portable tents made from animal skins and later stone and clay houses with domed roofs. Visitors can also see an ancient forge, market, pottery workshops, bakery, threshing area, and other interesting structures representing traditional life in the region.

At the Gala Ethnographic Museum, guests can participate in special master classes.

Blacksmith Master Class

Blacksmithing is an ancient and important craft. In many cultures, surnames derived from the blacksmithing profession are among the most common. Blacksmithing has traditionally been regarded as an honorable and respected profession.

To achieve a high level of skill in blacksmithing, one needs extensive training and practice, often beginning at a young age. It also requires a genuine passion for working with hot metal.

Blacksmithing requires patience, talent, concentration, and sufficient physical strength. Learning this craft can help develop discipline, practical skills, and creativity.

Pottery Master Class

Pottery is one of the most fascinating traditional crafts. Working at a potter's wheel can provide a relaxing break from everyday problems and allow you to forget about time. This activity can help relieve stress while allowing you to explore your creative potential.

You can learn pottery regardless of your previous experience or skill level.

The training is conducted by a professional potter who has been practicing pottery for more than 30 years.

During the master class, you will learn about the properties of clay and develop basic skills in working with a potter's wheel. Under the guidance of a master, you will have the opportunity to make a vase, pot, or plate.

There are many options for decorating ceramics, including painting on raw clay, texturing, polishing, glazing, and overglaze painting. The possibilities for ceramic decoration are almost endless.

Inclusions:

Professional guide service in the requested language

Transportation service

Entrance fees to the Gala Ethnographic Museum, Ramana Fortress, and Mardakan Fortress

Exclusions:

Meals

Alcoholic drinks

Any service not mentioned in the inclusions

Note:

The price is per person and depends on the group size.

1–5 people: Mercedes-Benz Vito with 6 seats in the passenger cabin

6–15 people: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 17 seats in the passenger cabin

16 or more people: Large coach with 35–48 seats in the passenger cabin