Best things to do in Ganja

This deep blue mountain lake surrounded by dense forest can be reached in just over an hour from Ganja. Often rated Azerbaijan's most beautiful lake, it sits 1,500 m (4,921 ft) above sea level and is home to a wide variety of fish and wildlife. After recently opening to the public, only a small section is accessible to tourists. Don't expect a day of hiking or exploring. But the drive through the mountains and traditional villages with a hint of German culture makes it a top attraction in Ganja.

Marvel at the early medieval stonemasonry of the Church of Kish, a monument of the ancient state of Caucasian Albania in Sheki. While the stone church dates back to the 12th century, the site has been used for religious purposes since the Bronze Age. The stunning dome is something to behold, while the church houses a small museum of archeological artifacts found on location, including some ancient pottery, a burial mound with skeletal remains, wall foundations of an ancient 2nd century BCE temple, and a crypt from the 3rd century CE. A bust of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who traced Scandinavians' origins to modern-day Azerbaijan, stands opposite the church.

Explore the 18th-century Sheki Fortress, a well-preserved and partially restored stone fort guarding the Palace of Sheki Khans, a masterpiece of Azerbaijani architecture. The exquisitely decorated façade of this landmark leads to an ornate interior, with decorative deep blue and ochre tiles, as well as stained-glass windows testifying to the wealth and refined taste of the independent Sheki Khans, sandwiched between the Persian and Russian empires. The complex features an ethnographic and history museum with a nice armory, as well as a restaurant that provides nice views of the mountainous scenery.

Admire the intricate designs and decorations of Sheki Khans' Palace, a historic mansion that served as a summer residence of the Sheki Khanate ruler. The only building that remains of a once vast complex of residences, the palace dates back to the late 18th century, when the area was a principality of Iran ruled by a Caucasian Khanate. Explore the simple, two-story structure, surrounded by old trees and boasting an elaborately decorated facade and interior complete with vibrant stained glass mosaics, exquisite frescoes, and intricate tile patterns.

A lovely space to pause for tea in Ganja city centre, Khan's Garden is named after the last khan of Ganja, Javad Khan, and is one of the oldest parks in Azerbaijan. Stroll along quiet paths lined with giant, leafy trees of various species.

Be at one with nature at Maralgol lake, a beautifully tranquil spot in the heart of the Goygol National Park. The lake can be reached by hiking or via shuttle bus from nearby Goygol lake. Once there, enjoy a short stroll or simply sit and relax and gaze into the turquoize waters.

Admire the gorgeous domes and facades of Imamzadeh Mausoleum, or Goy Imam Mosque, an important religious complex located 7 km north of Ganja. The complex consists of a mosque and mausoleum, the latter thought to have been originally built in the 14th century over the grave of 5th Imam Ibrahim, the son of Mahammad Bagir. In recent years it has been beautifully restored and is a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

Elegant Shah Abbas Mosque (aka Juma Mosque), dominated by its tall twin minarets, is located on Ganja’s central square and dates back to 1606. Its construction was reportedly ordered to by Persian ruler Shah Abbas the Great and hence its name. Made of red brick, which was traditional for Ganja, the architecture is oriental in style, and the ‘shebeke’ stained-glass windows are distinctly Azerbaijani touch. Right behind the mosque is the affiliated Chokek Hammam and in the past there was also a madrasah.

Marvel at Ganja's most intriguing building, the Bottle House, whose walls are adorned with 48,000 bottles of different sizes and colours. This is a picture definitely worth posting on Instagram.