Welcome to Balakhani - the first oil village

Explore something new!!! Balakhani - it is where the world’s first modern oil well was dug in 1873. Throughout the village you’ll notice little artistic touches.
About this tour
Explore something new!!! Balakhani - it is where the world’s first modern oil well was dug in 1873. With its old cobler streets and historical sites, the central streets of Balakhani have special charm. Throughout the village you’ll notice little artistic touches, whether it be a row of colourful birdhouses, a sculpture depicting a scene from the famous movies, or uplifting wall paintings, all of which are the handiwork of local artists.

- Pick up the guests from location mentioned by them - The picking up will be from location mentioned by tourist, in area of Baku city.
- Reach the Balakahin village and start the tour with exploring ovdan. - Enter in Ovdan. This 40 underground stairsteps Ovdan, was built in the 14th century by order of King (Shakh) Shirvanshah Emir Khaja Zeynaddin. It is believed that after the construction of the Sand Bath, the first periods were supplied with water taken from Ovdan.
- Take a look to the architectural style of Sand Bath`s remains - Imagine how looks like the bath 500 years ago! This unique bath consists of 2 main and 16 small rooms. Heating systems were set up in the bath. Wastewater flowed out of the walls through specially designed trenches. The bath is not high, and it seems to be designed to keep the heat inside.
- Discover the old local cemetery.
- Check out the ancient mausoleum of XV century. Shakiraga mausoleum is located in Balakhani Cemetery and was built in 1427–1428. Enter in this interesting architectural mausoleum and enjoy the unusual view of for cornered walls. Create own video and photo.
- Have a walk through adorable artistic streets of Balakani village. Pavements and roads, buildings and houses have all been given a makeover and more than a hundred small enterprises have been set up to promote the region’s handicrafts industry. Local artists and residents have worked in synergy to transform Balakhani into an open-air gallery.
- Enter to small Caranavansarai of XII century - Shah Sefi's Caravanserai on its plan represents an elongated rectangle with an aspect ratio of approximately 1:3. The caravanserai has its entrance oriented to the north-east. The elongated room inside is divided into three parts by the shoulder blades with a significant protrusion. The blades from one wall of the room of a lancet arch pass to the opposite side by dividing the space into three parts eliminating its unpleasant corridor shape.
- Have a lunch or some tea (expenses are not included) - There’s lula kebab, a succulent medley of minced mutton, herbs and spices squeezed around a skewer and barbecued; translucent lavash bread; and a fragrant lamb pulao with melting meat and caramelised onions, its umami offset with raisins and apricots. All is washed down with a Cornelian cherry compote, the ambrosial sweet beverage integral to Azerbaijan’s

- Tour is ended. Return to Baku.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.