As the former capital of the historical Shirvan region and a stop on the Silk Road, Shamakhi has plenty to offer history lovers. The ruins of medieval fortresses are dotted around the nearby mountains, while in the city itself sights such as the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque are well worth visiting. The wider region is full of splendid nature, from rolling hills to pristine forests and valleys, with many spots to relax and go walking. At the Meysari winery, you can learn about the area’s centuries-old winemaking heritage. And after dark, you can watch the stars at the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, named after the great 13th-century astronomer Nasir al-Din al-Tusi.