<\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg>View this post on Instagram<\/p>\nA post shared by Balloon Festival (@balloonfestival.az)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
There are places that are renowned for tourists even if they are a bit off the beaten track.<\/p>\n
And there are other places that you might never have heard – but when you uncover what’s on offer, you\u2019re left scratching your head as to why they are not better known.<\/p>\n
The city of Shamakhi may just be one of those hidden gems, located in Azerbaijan, a country bordered by Turkey, Iran, Georgia and Russia.<\/p>\n
The city’s estimated population is relatively tiny – in 2010 it was 31,704 – and it is famous for its traditional dancers, the Shamakhi Dancers.<\/p>\n
It’s a place with an incredibly rich cultural history.<\/p>\n
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Travelblog Wildtrips.net explains more about the history of this stunning city which connects Europe and Asia.<\/p>\n
It said: “Shamakhi is one of the oldest settlements in Azerbaijan, with a rich history dating back to the times of the Persian Empire.<\/p>\n
“It was an important trade and cultural centre along the Silk Road, connecting Europe and Asia.<\/p>\n
“Today, Shamakhi is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, and traditional crafts, such as carpet weaving and pottery.”<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s not all.<\/p>\n
The region also boasts truly beautiful nature walks – having earned a reputation as a hiking hotspot – and the biggest space observatory in the country.<\/p>\n
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But as well as getting around on foot, a recent addition is an adventure in the skies.<\/p>\n
Local authorities are promoting tourism by offering hot air balloon rides and in June hosted the inaugural Hot Air Balloon Festival.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s plenty on offer for wildlife lovers too – the Pirqulu State Reserve is a nature park located close to Shamakhi.<\/p>\n
The top rated place to visit in the city according to travel website Tripadvisor is the Juma Mosque which is one of the largest in the country.<\/p>\n
The mosque which was built in the 8th century has survived an amazing eleven major earthquakes.<\/p>\n
Travel bloggers Savi and Vid explain more about the mosque for their website Bruised Passports as well as offering tips to make sure you make the most of the experience.<\/p>\n
They wrote: “Next, stop at the magnificent Juma Mosque. Make sure you are wearing something that covers your elbows and knees.<\/p>\n
“Women also need to carry a scarf to cover their head.<\/p>\n
“The intricate and gorgeous mosque is a photographer\u2019s delight and the best part is, there are rarely more than a handful of people around.”<\/p>\n
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The city with mesmerising nature views that's one of the best places to hike - gendermyn.com<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n