The great gateway
Stone, brick and a decorated door.
Rəcəb Yaxşı — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rəcəb Yaxşı — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rəcəb Yaxşı — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rəcəb Yaxşı — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rəcəb Yaxşı — CC BY-SA 4.0
Zaqatala Fortress is the main landmark of this city in northwest Azerbaijan, a partly ruined stronghold in the red-brick old quarter. Its long stone wall and arched gateway stand out, and visitors come on a short walk that rounds off a stay in the city and its mountains. Russian forces built it in the 1830s during the Caucasian War to hold the city. In the 1850s the town saw battles between the Russians and Imam Shamil. Zaqatala gained city status in 1840 and later became a district centre, a period recalled by its old streets. The finest part of the site is the great gateway, with its arch of stone and red brick and its decorated wooden door. The wall, built of round river stones, runs around a broad area now covered in grass with tall trees behind it. Going inside may be limited, but you can see the main features from outside. It stands in the city centre, within walking distance of the main square with its pair of plane trees, said to be about 700 years old. It makes a good short stop on the way to the Balakan mosque, 23 km away in a straight line. The area is known for its natural beauty, so give it the rest of the day and ask about nearby forest paths.
Stone, brick and a decorated door.
Built of round river stones.
On the nearby main square.
Old quarter, central Zaqatala, northwest Azerbaijan
Russian forces in the 1830s, during the Caucasian War.
The visit is short, so combine it with a walk in town or the Balakan mosque.