Distance with Baku:225 km
Population:97,2 thsd person
How to reach:Bus-> Scheduler bus Baku-Gabala
Main sightseeing of Gabala district is ancient Kabala, having been reminded in written sources of the 1st century (Pliney and others). It existed more than 1800 years, out of them 600 years it had been capital of Albania Caucasian. Ruins of the ancient town are in 15 km from regional center, allocated on the territory between Garachay and Jourluchay rivers.
In Gabala district there are planted tobacco, barley, wheat; mulberry filature to being ranched. Administrative center of the area – Gabala town being situated on the right side of Demiraparanchay bank River. In clear weather from the town, it is possible to contemplate the highest top of Azerbaijan – Bazarduzu Mountain. Alongside the area territory, Tikanlichay, Gumchay, Demiraparanchay and Vendemchay rivers and others flow thereon.
In surroundings of Gabala being enriched with nut and chestnut boscages, there are many sources of mineral waters and rills with pure key water. By bright sightseeing of the area is chestnut grove, allocated on mountain slopes at a height of 1000 m. In spring, that grove presents beautiful eyeful scene. Mid age of each tree exceeds 500 years. Some of them are inserted into the list of trees being under custodial by government.
The city is located in a remarkably beautiful place that is also called the “Azerbaijani Switzerland”.
In the district, there are hundreds of monuments of history and culture being stored. Among them we may highlight the following: Albanian temple of IV-VIII centuries in Emli village; mosque of XIX century in Bum village; Ustajan tower of IX-XIV centuries in Bayramkokha village; Mausoleum of XVII century in Shefily village; Shikh-baba`s banquet of XVI century in Khamzeli village; Komrad banquet allocated at the top of Komrad Mountain; mosque of Haji Garib and living house of Bolu-Bey XIX century – in Nij village. In khazra village there are kept original Mausoleum of Sheykhs of Badreddin and Mansur, being referred to XV century.
Not far from Nij village on the top of Yaloylu mountain in III-I centuries A.D. there were existed some settlement. There were found out ferrous knives, dirks, swards, bronzed rings, golden earrings, burrs and other articles. Archeological culture of the aforesaid epoch, having been spread out in the northern mountain and steeped areas of Azerbaijan, was called as Culture of Yaloylu.
Administrative center – Gabala city that adjoins to spurs of Shahdag Mountain. In Gabala, there are ancient defensive tower of IX-XI centuries, Imam-Mausoleum of XVIII-XIX centuries. Juma mosque; there is big historical Regional Museum available.
All this attracts tourists to Gabala. One can say about the tourist boom in Azerbaijan, in particular in Gabala, especially during the last 7-8 years.
The Azerbaijani government pays great attention to the tourism development in the country. The second part of the program of attracting the tourists, establishing new hotels started in 2010. This direction of development will give a new impetus to the economy of the town and attract new funds here.
At present, there are several resorts and tourist centers. One can relax comfortably in the woods, on the shores of a beautiful lake, as well as visit the ancient ruins and beautiful waterfalls. Two five-star complexes with a capacity of 1,000 rooms each have been opened not far from the town. There are also tiny family-type hotels. A small number of guests may be accommodated there.
Qabala is a small town, so the industry has not been developed well here. There are a tobacco factory, a cement plant and a cannery. A plant manufacturing pianos of the famous European brand Beltman has been recently opened. It would be a pity to spoil the amazing landscape and ecology of this heavenly place with factory chimneys.