Ganja (Azeri: Gəncə) is a city in the Ganja Region of northwestern Azerbaijan. As a historic city, Ganja was the seat of the Atabegs, and later, its khanate under Persian suzerainty.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Ganja is one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus, and has long been one of the most important in Azerbaijan. Having been subjected to a seemingly endless stream of invading armies, its name has changed repeatedly over the years and is very interesting architecturally. The historical name, Ganja, was restored once again upon Azerbaijan's independence in 1991. With a population of 330,744 (2016), it is the country's second-largest city. Most proudly the city was home to Azerbaijan’s national bard Nizami Gəncəvi (1141–1209). Ganja Regional Tourism Information Center, Hasan Əliyev küç 31, ☏ +994 22 266 23 84. 09:00 to 18:00. Provides free city maps and travel agency services.
The Old City is best visited on foot. There is also public bus service for 0.30 manat available. Routes change pretty often due to ongoing road construction, but #1 and #4 head to the Heydar Aliyev Park, and in the opposite direction #4 and #5 go to the Southern Bus Station (for Göygöl). A taxi can be convenient for the Heydar Aliyev Park, bus stations or Göygöl. Expect to pay 3 manat to/from any of the bus stations from/to the centre. Fares are generally ⅓–½ manat/km.
1 Xatirə parkı (Heydar Aliyev Park Complex). It is claimed to be the world's 5th largest park complex, and the largest in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. The area spreads across 450 hectares. (Wikipedia lists 144 urban parks that are larger than 450 ha.) The arc de triomphe can be found at the very entrance. The complex contains many attractions for children, recreational and entertainment venues, and a bicycle rental. 2 World War II memorial and grave of unknown soldier. The Old City of Ganja was developed starting in the 16th century. Living quarters (məhəllə) from those times make up vast parts of the city to this day. 3 City Hall Square with Museum of Heydar Aliyev.
Go to the "Kolkhoz bazaar" and have a breakfast of fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Enjoy a hot day in the shade of plane trees in the Khan Garden, and in the evening, get some cup of tea with old-timers in one of the cosy tea houses (Chaykhana). Invite yourself to Ganjali wedding. Gaming cafés are popular with locals and will only cost 1-2 manat an hour and you pay for the tea/beer. 1 Gəncə Dövlət Dram Teatrı (Ganja State Drama Theatre), M.A.Abbaszadə 54, ☏ +994 55 213 12 21, gencedramteatrı@mail.ru. (updated Sep 2016) 2 CinemaPlus "Khamsa Park". 4th floor of shopping mall. (updated Sep 2016)
The list of top dishes of Ganjali cuisine (special recipes): Dovğа Xan aşı Yarpaq dolması Göy kətəsi Şorqoğalı Nazik Gəncə paxlavası Gəncə halvası Şəkərbura 1 Furor Restaurant and Pub, 90 Shah Ismayil Khetayi Ave / Heydər Əliyev prospekti 90, ☏ +994 22 2521010, +994 70 2002001, furorrestaurant@gmail.com. 11:30-02:00. Not cheap, but recommended.
It is recommended to drink bottled water. However, there are a lot of tea houses offering tasty tea. 1 London CoffeeShop, Cavadxan, ☏ +994 55 7750888, londoncoffeeshopco@gmail.com. 09:00-23:00. Highly recommended and if you want to get into contact with the locals.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Ganja typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 2 rainy days.
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