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Alinja Castle
Nakhchivan and surrounding
Castles, Fortresses, Towers,  Archeology, Civilization history
Castles, Fortresses, Towers, 
Archeology, Civilization history

There are several ancient fortresses near Nakhchivan. But it is Alinja Castle that attracts the maximum amount of attention. First of all, it is in an incredibly picturesque place. Secondly, it is the largest architectural monument of antiquity that has survived on this territory. Thirdly, the castle has a beautiful legend, which is especially interesting to listen to and imagine the heroes standing on a high mountain surrounded by beautiful ruins.

Alinja Castle is usually called the Azerbaijanian Machu Picchu. Indeed, there is some analogy here. The walls of the castle start at the foot of the mountain and, rising up, completely cover its top.

Presumably, this magnificent beauty was built in the VI-VII centuries. At that time, it was one of the most powerful defensive fortresses in the surrounding territories.

There is documentary evidence of a Spanish diplomat who described his visit to Alinja Castle: "it is located on a steep mountain and is completely inaccessible to the enemy. Inside the fortress, in its lower tiers, there are rich vineyards, gardens, pastures, and pools filled with mountain springs. And the castle is located at the very top of the mountain as if it crowns this beautiful and formidable fortress."

Even the famous Tamerlane admired the greatness of this defensive complex. He came to make sure that his soldiers managed to conquer this impregnable bastion, the siege of which lasted almost 14 years.

Due to constant medieval feuds and feudal wars, the great fortress first fell into disrepair, lost its important positions, and then its main castle, once awe-inspiring to all enemies, collapsed.

Restoration work on this monument began in 2014. Today, almost the entire complex has been restored: residential and public buildings, barns, stables, swimming pools, and underground water pipelines - all this has been carefully restored and an interesting museum has been created, which contains the main finds that tell the story of the once majestic fortress, the pride of Nakhchivan.

Address: Əlincə

Published by

Praskovia Ko

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