Gobustan Stone Chronicle Museum and its Mud Volcanoes

The Caucasus is historically considered the cradle of human civilization. There are many sites of ancient people, ritual structures such as cromlechs, dolmens, mounds and ancient burials. One of these sacred places is located 60 km south of Baku historical and cultural reserve and open-air museum Gobustan. Gobustan is a low mountain between the extreme southeastern spurs of the Greater Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. The reserve is widely known for the fact that it perfectly preserved rock paintings – petroglyphs, a kind of artistic “archive” of human evolution on planet Earth. Since 2007, this unique historical monument has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The first research scientists here began to produce in the late 30s of the 20th century. In 1966, after the work of a special scientific expedition, the area was declared a historical and artistic reserve. Currently, there is also a modern interactive museum, in which the tourist receives general information about the parking of an ancient man, his life and life, as well as information about the flora and fauna of the period of human settlement of these places. In 2013, it was recognized as the best modern museum in Europe, as evidenced by the certificate presented here. It is from this museum that our tour will begin. The exhibits and opportunities of the museum are of particular interest to children.

Then we will go by car to the mountain ranges, where there are caves that served as a refuge for ancient people. On the walls of these caves and adjacent rocks carved images (petroglyphs) of people, animals, hunting scenes and various signs. Through the efforts of archaeologists, more than 6,000 drawings, ancient dwellings - caves and parking lots, about 40 mounds, more than 100,000 objects of material culture were discovered. The most ancient drawings belong to the Mesolithic era, the most recent to the Middle Ages. However, it is assumed that life existed here and before.

The famous Norwegian traveler and explorer Thor Heyerdahl visited Gobustan several times, especially his attention was attracted by rock paintings of boats. After examining them, he came to the conclusion that the ancestors of the Vikings came to Norway from the shores of the Caspian Sea.

Also, the interest of guests is caused by a nearby rock with a Latin inscription, dating from the 1st century. This inscription tells about the stay in Gobustan XII Lightning Roman Legion during the reign of Emperor Domitian Caesar Augustus Germanicus. The inscription was left by the centurion Lucius Julius Maximus.

At 12 km from Gobustan there are mud volcanoes. Of the 800 mud volcanoes known on our planet, almost half are located in Azerbaijan, many of them are active. Some volcanoes are inscribed on the UNESCO List as specially protected natural monuments and are included in the State Nature Reserve. Being close to mud volcanoes, you realize that our planet is alive!

On the way back, at your request, we can also visit one of the local ancient shrines of the Bibi-Eybat Mosque, which Alexander Dumas, Father, told about in his trip to the Caucasus. There are many pilgrims who come to worship him today. And we can also have lunch in one of the fish restaurants, in many located along the coast.

• guide services,
• services of a professional driver,
• positive communication.