Absheron Peninsula Tour

Ateshgah Temple is a fire temple located on the Absheron Peninsula in Azerbaijan, 30 km from Baku, near the village of Surakhani in the Surakhani district. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries on the site of unquenchable flames with a natural gas outlet, the name of the temple means “House of Fire” or “Place of Fire”.

The architectural complex consists of defensive walls with a pentagonal projection, a large entrance, and a four-pointed altar-fire temple located in the center of the area. At the entrance, guest rooms – Balakhana, characteristic of the Shirvan-Absheron School of Architecture, were built.

The history of the complex dates back to 1713. The temple itself has existed since ancient times and has kept its original structure. Altars reflect the ancient traditions of altar building that were widespread in the territory of Azerbaijan even during the Medieval period. The traditional appearance of the Avaltari plan, which is supported by columns from the four corners, covered with a dome, and open on all four sides, is also found here.

At the order of the President of Azerbaijan, an open-air museum was created around the complex, and the complex was declared a State Historical-Architectural Reserve. Each museum is visited by an average of 145,000 people.

In 1998, Ateshgah was included in the list of candidates for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.