Baku is a dynamic and developing city. However, it has unique corners of ancient buildings, shrouded in legends and tales. One of these places is the Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası), a monument of ancient architecture that has been preserved to this day in excellent condition and is still considered one of the symbols of Baku.

Although this tower does not look elegant or beautiful, it is a real unsolved mystery for scientists. For example, they continue to argue when the tower was built. Laboratory studies of the stone that make up this architectural monument show different data: from the I to IX century AD. According to the wall sign, the tower was erected in the XII century. Researchers have yet to find out where the truth is.

Besides, the reason for the construction of such an impressive structure is not clear. The tower is almost 30 meters high. Inside, it is divided into 8 tiers, which are connected by a steep spiral staircase. There are no conditions for a long stay in the tower. This is definitely not a religious temple. It is only known that in the XII century the tower was used as a citadel, then - until the XIX century - there was a lighthouse. In 1964, a museum was opened there. And today, it has several interesting halls, including multimedia halls where you can listen to lectures and watch short films.

However, archaeologists and historians are still wondering when and why it was originally built. So far, most of them are inclined to the theory that this is a pre-Islamic structure. One of the researchers noticed that on December 22 - the day of the winter equinox - at sunrise, the rays of the sun, revered in many ancient cults, penetrate the central window, illuminating the hall of the mysterious tower. Perhaps it was a temple dedicated to the sun or an observatory, although there is no exact evidence of this. There is only a tragic legend about a father in love with his daughter.