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Ismailiyya Palace

Places in Baku · Historic architecture

Ismailiyya Palace

Sabail, Baku, Azerbaijan

Rhajizada · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized; cropped for display

The Ismailiyya Palace was funded by Musa Naghiyev in memory of his son Ismail. Its Venetian-Gothic design gives it a different character from the nearby Old City walls.

The building is associated with the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. Treat it primarily as an exterior architecture stop unless an authorised visit has been arranged.

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The Ismailiyya Palace has a personal story behind its striking facade. Musa Naghiyev funded the building in memory of his son Ismail. Its Venetian Gothic design gives it a very different character from the fortress walls of the nearby Old City.

The pointed arches and fine stone ornament are good details to focus on. Rather than taking in the whole facade at once, follow a few of those shapes and see how they repeat. The building is associated with the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. For an independent walk, treat it as an exterior architecture stop unless an authorised interior visit has been arranged.

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