Gabala
Gabala (Azerbaijani: Qəbələ; until 1991 — Kutkashen) is a city in Azerbaijan; the center of the Gabala region, located 225 kilometers from the capital. Until 1973 it was a village. Population — 14,000 residents (2020).
Switzerland in Azerbaijan
Founded in the 3rd century BC, Old Gabala was once the capital of the formidable Caucasian Albania. Today, it's a distinctive destination blending natural beauty with historical landmarks like the 4th-8th-century Albanian church, the mausoleum of Sheikh Badraddin, and the tomb of Sheikh Mansur. Gabala has earned its nickname "Azerbaijan's Switzerland" thanks to its majestic mountain peaks, picturesque waterfalls, enchanting lakes, and crystal-clear air. The town is also home to trendy spa resorts and the country's largest open-air amusement park, spread across more than 16 hectares and offering attractions like an ice arena, karting, sports grounds, and an XD theatre.
Year-Round Outdoor Recreation
Gabala offers a warm welcome throughout the year. In winter, indulge in skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and tubing on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. Spring invites visitors for quad biking and high-mountain swinging. Autumn sets the stage for hunting and trekking, while summer offers hiking, biking, and fishing. Visit the beautiful lakes near Tufan Mountain, said to hold fragments of Noah's Ark, and revel in the sight and scent of lavender fields near Chukhur village. For a relaxing trip, head to Nokhur Gol, one of Azerbaijan's most stunning mountain lakes, which offers ideal settings for rest and memorable photographs. If you're health-conscious, the Gabala Chenot Palace Hotel on the lake's northern shore offers holistic wellness programmes by Henri Chenot, the detox and nutrition guru. The Chenot Palace marries medical innovations with Gabala's fantastic natural scenery.
A popular local attraction is the new cable car ride, which provides a bird's eye view of the panoramic vistas of the Greater Caucasus's foothills. At the mountain's peak, cozy restaurants and cafes serve both traditional Caucasian and European cuisine.
A popular local attraction is the new cable car ride, which provides a bird's eye view of the panoramic vistas of the Greater Caucasus's foothills. At the mountain's peak, cozy restaurants and cafes serve both traditional Caucasian and European cuisine.
Historical sights
History enthusiasts should not miss Gabala. Once the capital of Caucasian Albania and a major trade and social hub along the Silk Road, historians have compared it to legendary cities like Babylon, Troy, and Pompeii. Gabala's historical and architectural landmarks include the Gabala Fortress, the ruins of ancient Gabala, the Juma Mosque, and the village of Nij, home to the 1st-century St Elisha Church. Gabala's rich cultural heritage earned it the title of CIS Capital of Culture in 2013. Since then, it has hosted numerous summer festivals, drawing musicians from Europe, the USA, and Israel, and sweet-toothed visitors from around the world for the jam festival.
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