{"id":19728,"date":"2026-09-16T14:45:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T10:45:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/?page_id=19728"},"modified":"2026-10-28T16:30:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T12:30:23","slug":"mardakan-castle","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/","title":{"rendered":"Mardakan Castle"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"19728\" class=\"elementor elementor-19728\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54cb892 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"54cb892\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d3eeab e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0d3eeab\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5eee302 elementor-widget elementor-widget-togo-breadcrumb\" data-id=\"5eee302\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"togo-breadcrumb.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\"><a href=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\">Home<\/a><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"8\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 8 14\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 13L7 7L1 1\" stroke=\"black\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/nav>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff690f4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ff690f4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-284d529 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"284d529\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mardakan Castle<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fd1ffd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8fd1ffd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc91d92 elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-carousel\" data-id=\"dc91d92\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;slides_to_show&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;image_spacing_custom&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:1,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;arrows&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:3000,&quot;speed&quot;:3000,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;image_spacing_custom_widescreen&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_laptop&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_tablet_extra&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;image_spacing_custom_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"image-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel-wrapper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"\u041a\u0430\u0440\u0443\u0441\u0435\u043b\u044c\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel swiper-wrapper\" aria-live=\"off\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 3\"><a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"dc91d92\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"mardakan-castle-800x450\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTk3MzAsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9henRlcnJhLmF6XC9lblwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvc2l0ZXNcLzNcLzIwMjZcLzA5XC9tYXJkYWthbi1jYXN0bGUtODAweDQ1MC0xLmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImRjOTFkOTIifQ%3D%3D\" href=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img class=\"swiper-slide-image swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg\" alt=\"mardakan-castle-800x450\" \/><div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader\"><\/div><\/figure><\/a><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 3\"><a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"dc91d92\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"\u041c\u0430\u0440\u0434\u0430\u043a\u044f\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0430\u044f \u043a\u0440\u0435\u043f\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTk3MzIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9henRlcnJhLmF6XC9lblwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvc2l0ZXNcLzNcLzIwMjZcLzA5XC9cdTA0MWNcdTA0MzBcdTA0NDBcdTA0MzRcdTA0MzBcdTA0M2FcdTA0NGZcdTA0M2RcdTA0NDFcdTA0M2FcdTA0MzBcdTA0NGYtXHUwNDNhXHUwNDQwXHUwNDM1XHUwNDNmXHUwNDNlXHUwNDQxXHUwNDQyXHUwNDRjLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJkYzkxZDkyIn0%3D\" href=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/\u041c\u0430\u0440\u0434\u0430\u043a\u044f\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0430\u044f-\u043a\u0440\u0435\u043f\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c.jpeg\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img class=\"swiper-slide-image swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/\u041c\u0430\u0440\u0434\u0430\u043a\u044f\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0430\u044f-\u043a\u0440\u0435\u043f\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c.jpeg\" alt=\"\u041c\u0430\u0440\u0434\u0430\u043a\u044f\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0430\u044f \u043a\u0440\u0435\u043f\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c\" \/><div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader\"><\/div><\/figure><\/a><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 of 3\"><a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"dc91d92\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"9539049-800x450\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTk3MjksInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9henRlcnJhLmF6XC9lblwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvc2l0ZXNcLzNcLzIwMjZcLzA5XC85NTM5MDQ5LTgwMHg0NTAtMS5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJkYzkxZDkyIn0%3D\" href=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/9539049-800x450-1.jpg\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img class=\"swiper-slide-image swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/9539049-800x450-1.jpg\" alt=\"9539049-800x450\" \/><div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader\"><\/div><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-circle-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M256 504C119 504 8 393 8 256S119 8 256 8s248 111 248 248-111 248-248 248zM142.1 273l135.5 135.5c9.4 9.4 24.6 9.4 33.9 0l17-17c9.4-9.4 9.4-24.6 0-33.9L226.9 256l101.6-101.6c9.4-9.4 9.4-24.6 0-33.9l-17-17c-9.4-9.4-24.6-9.4-33.9 0L142.1 239c-9.4 9.4-9.4 24.6 0 34z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-circle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M256 8c137 0 248 111 248 248S393 504 256 504 8 393 8 256 119 8 256 8zm113.9 231L234.4 103.5c-9.4-9.4-24.6-9.4-33.9 0l-17 17c-9.4 9.4-9.4 24.6 0 33.9L285.1 256 183.5 357.6c-9.4 9.4-9.4 24.6 0 33.9l17 17c9.4 9.4 24.6 9.4 33.9 0L369.9 273c9.4-9.4 9.4-24.6 0-34z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da93ec4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"da93ec4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b79121 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9b79121\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40b2f7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"40b2f7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">Mardakan Castle is one of the most impressive medieval fortifications on the Absheron Peninsula, located in the historic settlement of Mardakan, near Baku.<br \/><br \/>Known for its distinctive square tower, massive stone walls, and well-preserved defensive architecture, the castle offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Azerbaijan\u2019s medieval history.<br \/><br \/>Mardakan is home to two historic fortresses, commonly known as the Quadrangular Castle and the Round Castle. The Quadrangular Mardakan Castle is particularly remarkable for its height, architectural design, and strategic importance.<br \/><br \/><span class=\"s1\"><b>History of Mardakan Castle<\/b><\/span><br \/><br \/>The Quadrangular Mardakan Castle was built during the 12th century, traditionally associated with the reign of Shirvanshah Akhsitan I.<br \/><br \/>According to historical accounts, the fortress was constructed to commemorate a military victory and strengthen the defensive system of the Absheron Peninsula.<br \/><br \/>During the medieval period, the region was an important part of the Shirvanshahs\u2019 territories, and defensive towers played a significant role in protecting settlements and monitoring potential threats.<br \/><br \/>Mardakan Castle served as a military observation point and defensive stronghold, allowing guards to monitor the surrounding landscape.<br \/><br \/>Its strategic location and imposing structure made it an important element of the region\u2019s medieval fortification network.<br \/><br \/><span class=\"s1\"><b>Architecture of the Quadrangular Castle<\/b><\/span><br \/><br \/>The most distinctive feature of Mardakan Castle is its massive rectangular stone tower, rising approximately 22 meters above the surrounding area.<br \/><br \/>The tower consists of five internal levels connected by a narrow spiral staircase.<br \/><br \/>Its thick defensive walls measure approximately two meters at the base, gradually becoming thinner toward the upper sections.<br \/><br \/>The fortress stands within a spacious courtyard surrounded by protective stone walls.<br \/><br \/>The upper part of the tower features battlements that create a distinctive crown-like appearance while providing protection for defenders.<br \/><br \/>The castle\u2019s carefully constructed stonework and solid architectural design have helped preserve much of its original medieval character.<br \/><br \/><span class=\"s1\"><b>Medieval Defensive Architecture<\/b><\/span><br \/><br \/>Mardakan Castle is an excellent example of the military architecture developed during the Shirvanshahs\u2019 period.<br \/><br \/>Its elevated position allowed guards to observe the surrounding territory and identify approaching threats.<br \/><br \/>The thick walls, narrow passages, and elevated defensive positions were designed to make the fortress difficult to attack.<br \/><br \/>The tower\u2019s multiple levels provided space for observation and defensive activities.<br \/><br \/>Today, the structure offers valuable insight into the construction techniques and military strategies used in medieval Azerbaijan.<br \/><br \/><span class=\"s1\"><b>The Round Mardakan Castle<\/b><\/span><br \/><br \/>Another important historical monument in Mardakan is the Round Castle, located a short distance from the Quadrangular Castle.<br \/><br \/>Although both fortresses served defensive purposes, they differ significantly in architectural design.<br \/><br \/>The Round Castle features a cylindrical tower, while the Quadrangular Castle is distinguished by its rectangular structure and greater height.<br \/><br \/>Together, these two monuments illustrate the variety of defensive architecture developed on the Absheron Peninsula during the medieval period.<br \/><br \/><span class=\"s1\"><b>Visiting Mardakan Castle<\/b><\/span><br \/><br \/>Mardakan Castle is an interesting destination for travelers exploring the historical attractions beyond central Baku.<br \/><br \/>Its impressive stone tower, medieval architecture, and surrounding historic settlement make it particularly appealing to visitors interested in history, photography, and cultural heritage.<br \/><br \/>The castle can be included in a sightseeing trip around the Absheron Peninsula, together with other historic landmarks and traditional villages.<br \/><br \/>A visit to Mardakan Castle offers an opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of Azerbaijan\u2019s past and appreciate the remarkable architectural achievements of the medieval Shirvanshah period.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88abb9c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"88abb9c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b55425d elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"b55425d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ac3019 e-con-full sidebar-sticky e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3ac3019\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be99c2f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"be99c2f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8299c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d8299c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Address:<\/b> Mardakan, Khazar District, Baku<\/p><p class=\"p3\"><b>Opening Hours:<\/b><span class=\"s2\"> Daytime hours<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p3\"><b>Open:<\/b><span class=\"s2\"> Daily<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p3\"><b>Entrance Fee:<\/b><span class=\"s2\"> 5 AZN<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p4\"><b>Recommended Visit Duration:<\/b><span class=\"s2\"> 30\u201345 minutes<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b065a63 elementor-widget elementor-widget-togo-icon-list\" data-id=\"b065a63\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"togo-icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"togo-icon-list togo-icon-list-vertical\">\r\n                            <div class=\"togo-icon-list-item\">\r\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/TGHBRm6UT4Gdxz9R7\" class=\"togo-icon-list-item-link\">\r\n                                                                            <span class=\"togo-icon-list-item-icon\">\r\n                                <span class=\"togo-svg-icon \"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n<path d=\"M12.5599 20.8207C12.2247 21.0598 11.7753 21.0598 11.4401 20.8207C6.61138 17.3773 1.48557 10.2971 6.6667 5.18128C8.08118 3.78463 9.99963 3 12 3C14.0004 3 15.9188 3.78463 17.3333 5.18128C22.5144 10.2971 17.3886 17.3773 12.5599 20.8207Z\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\r\n<path d=\"M12 12C13.1046 12 14 11.1046 14 10C14 8.89543 13.1046 8 12 8C10.8954 8 10 8.89543 10 10C10 11.1046 10.8954 12 12 12Z\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\r\n<\/svg><\/span>                            <\/span>\r\n                                                <span class=\"togo-icon-list-item-title\">\r\n                            View on Map                        <\/span>\r\n                                                <\/a>\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <div class=\"togo-icon-list-item\">\r\n                                            <a href=\"\/en\/baku-tours\/\" class=\"togo-icon-list-item-link\">\r\n                                                                            <span class=\"togo-icon-list-item-icon\">\r\n                                <span class=\"togo-svg-icon \"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n<circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\r\n<path d=\"M8.66602 12.6334L10.1718 14.3543C10.5952 14.8382 11.3587 14.8025 11.7351 14.2813L15.3327 9.30005\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\r\n<\/svg><\/span>                            <\/span>\r\n                                                <span class=\"togo-icon-list-item-title\">\r\n                            Tours Featuring This Attraction                        <\/span>\r\n                                                <\/a>\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97b08c6 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"97b08c6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-714f578 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"714f578\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><!-- FeedbackWP Plugin --><div        class=\"rmp-widgets-container rmp-wp-plugin rmp-main-container js-rmp-widgets-container js-rmp-widgets-container--19728 \"        data-post-id=\"19728\">        <!-- Rating widget -->    <div class=\"rmp-rating-widget js-rmp-rating-widget\" role=\"group\" aria-labelledby=\"rmp-title-19728\">                            <p class=\"rmp-heading rmp-heading--subtitle\">                Rate this page            <\/p>                <div class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons\">            <ul class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list js-rmp-rating-icons-list\" role=\"radiogroup\" aria-label=\"Rating from 1 to 5\">                                                        <li                            class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\"                            data-descriptive-rating=\"Not at all useful\"                            data-value=\"1\"                            role=\"radio\"                            aria-checked=\"false\"                            aria-label=\"1 out of 5: Not at all useful\"                            tabindex=\"0\"                    >                        <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--full-highlight\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>                    <\/li>                                                        <li                            class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\"                            data-descriptive-rating=\"Somewhat useful\"                            data-value=\"2\"                            role=\"radio\"                            aria-checked=\"false\"                            aria-label=\"2 out of 5: Somewhat useful\"                            tabindex=\"-1\"                    >                        <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--full-highlight\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>                    <\/li>                                                        <li                            class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\"                            data-descriptive-rating=\"Useful\"                            data-value=\"3\"                            role=\"radio\"                            aria-checked=\"false\"                            aria-label=\"3 out of 5: Useful\"                            tabindex=\"-1\"                    >                        <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--full-highlight\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>                    <\/li>                                                        <li                            class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\"                            data-descriptive-rating=\"Fairly useful\"                            data-value=\"4\"                            role=\"radio\"                            aria-checked=\"false\"                            aria-label=\"4 out of 5: Fairly useful\"                            tabindex=\"-1\"                    >                        <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--full-highlight\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>                    <\/li>                                                        <li                            class=\"rmp-rating-widget__icons-list__icon js-rmp-rating-item\"                            data-descriptive-rating=\"Very useful\"                            data-value=\"5\"                            role=\"radio\"                            aria-checked=\"false\"                            aria-label=\"5 out of 5: Very useful\"                            tabindex=\"-1\"                    >                        <i class=\"js-rmp-rating-icon rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star rmp-icon--half-highlight js-rmp-replace-half-star\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>                    <\/li>                            <\/ul>        <\/div>        <p class=\"rmp-rating-widget__hover-text js-rmp-hover-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>                <button class=\"rmp-rating-widget__submit-btn rmp-btn js-submit-rating-btn\">            Submit Rating        <\/button>        <div aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\">            <p class=\"rmp-rating-widget__results js-rmp-results \">                Rating <span class=\"rmp-rating-widget__results__rating js-rmp-avg-rating\">4.5<\/span> \/ 5. Votes: <span class=\"rmp-rating-widget__results__votes js-rmp-vote-count\">156<\/span>            <\/p>            <p class=\"rmp-rating-widget__not-rated js-rmp-not-rated rmp-rating-widget__not-rated--hidden\">                No ratings yet            <\/p>            <p class=\"rmp-rating-widget__msg js-rmp-msg\" role=\"status\"><\/p>        <\/div>    <\/div>    <!--Structured data -->    <script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"http:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"CreativeWorkSeries\",\"aggregateRating\":{\"@type\":\"AggregateRating\",\"bestRating\":\"5\",\"ratingCount\":\"156\",\"ratingValue\":\"4.5\"},\"image\":\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg\",\"name\":\"Mardakan Castle\",\"description\":\"Mardakan Castle\"}<\/script>            <\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home Mardakan Castle Mardakan Castle is one of the most impressive medieval fortifications on the Absheron Peninsula, located in the historic settlement of Mardakan, near Baku. Known for its distinctive square tower, massive stone walls, and well-preserved defensive architecture, the castle offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Azerbaijan\u2019s medieval history. Mardakan is home to two [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":19730,"parent":19289,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19728","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Mardakan Castle in Baku | Azterra Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Mardakan Castle near Baku, a medieval fortress on the Absheron Peninsula. Explore its historic architecture, defensive towers and rich heritage.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mardakan Castle in Baku | Azterra Travel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover Mardakan Castle near Baku, a medieval fortress on the Absheron Peninsula. Explore its historic architecture, defensive towers and rich heritage.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Azterra Travel \u2014 EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-28T12:30:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"450\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/mardakan-castle\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/mardakan-castle\\\/\",\"name\":\"Mardakan Castle in Baku | Azterra Travel\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/mardakan-castle\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/mardakan-castle\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/3\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-16T10:45:39+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-28T12:30:23+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover Mardakan Castle near Baku, a medieval fortress on the Absheron Peninsula. Explore its historic architecture, defensive towers and rich heritage.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/mardakan-castle\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/mardakan-castle\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/mardakan-castle\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/3\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/3\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg\",\"width\":800,\"height\":450},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/mardakan-castle\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"\u0413\u043b\u0430\u0432\u043d\u0430\u044f \u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0446\u0430\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"sights\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/sights\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Mardakan Castle\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"Azterra Travel \u2014 EN\",\"description\":\"Tours, Hotels, Transfers\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/azterra.az\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Mardakan Castle in Baku | Azterra Travel","description":"Discover Mardakan Castle near Baku, a medieval fortress on the Absheron Peninsula. Explore its historic architecture, defensive towers and rich heritage.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Mardakan Castle in Baku | Azterra Travel","og_description":"Discover Mardakan Castle near Baku, a medieval fortress on the Absheron Peninsula. Explore its historic architecture, defensive towers and rich heritage.","og_url":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/","og_site_name":"Azterra Travel \u2014 EN","article_modified_time":"2026-10-28T12:30:23+00:00","og_image":[{"width":800,"height":450,"url":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/","url":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/","name":"Mardakan Castle in Baku | Azterra Travel","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg","datePublished":"2026-09-16T10:45:39+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-28T12:30:23+00:00","description":"Discover Mardakan Castle near Baku, a medieval fortress on the Absheron Peninsula. Explore its historic architecture, defensive towers and rich heritage.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/mardakan-castle-800x450-1.jpg","width":800,"height":450},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/mardakan-castle\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"\u0413\u043b\u0430\u0432\u043d\u0430\u044f \u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0446\u0430","item":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"sights","item":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/sights\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Mardakan Castle"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/","name":"Azterra Travel \u2014 EN","description":"Tours, Hotels, Transfers","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19728","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19728"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19728\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21440,"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19728\/revisions\/21440"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19289"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/azterra.az\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}