What to do in Gakh

The Church of St. George, also known as the Church of Kurmukh, is a cathedral dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious. It’s located nearby the city of Gakh, in the gorge that carries the same name. This church is a temple, the construction of which dates back to the ancient country of Albania, therefore it attracts Christians as well as Muslims. Besides its majestic appearance, the Kurmuk church is also a part of historical legacy that was left of ancient Albania. It showcases the religious structures from early Middle Ages, therefore attracting all kind of people with all kinds of beliefs.

Finally, after a long journey, 345 kilometers away from the capital of the country, we reach the city of Gakh. This place truly consists of everything there’s to want for a small getaway. The pleasant climate, crystal-clear waters from springs, the refreshing air, the absolute delight of seeing the snow-covered mountain peaks from afar. Few kilometers away and you’re suddenly met with waterfalls, cascading down, somehow safely hidden behind the greenery of lush forests. Natural landscapes so astonishing and mesmerizing, moving on from them seem to be impossible.

This Basilica is probably one of the most important spots, that carry the unbelievable amount of cultural impact not only regarding the history of Azerbaijan, but also for the whole world’s history, as it is one of the only remaining traces of ancient Caucasian Albania, that are narrowed down to in-between of 5th and 6th century. The Gum Village Basilica is situated nearby the coast of the Kum-chay river, not far away from the Gakh itself. Design of this place is no less magnificent with rectangular hall, that is masterly divided into three naves by two authentically crafter rows of pillars. This can be interpreted as a call to a Byzantine-era structures.

Waterfalls are one of the nature’s most fascinating wonders. So, its obvious that visiting a natural district such as Gakh is and not taking a journey to the beautiful waterfalls it possesses is not an option. The Mamirli waterfall is located in the picturesque forest on the way to the way to Lekit and Lekit Kötüklü villages. The whole scenery around it is also worth a mention, with greenery surrounding the crystal-clear ice-cold forces of water cascading down, creating an interesting curtain-like effect. Every part of the surroundings, even the rocks, are all covered with emerald-green moss. You couldn’t really come up with the place more suiting to have a family picnic there, but at the very least, if you ever think about travelling to Lekit or Kotuklu villages, the small trip to Mamirli waterfall will be definitely worth it.

Yeddi Kilse is a complex of architectural monuments, dating back to 4th century. It carries an important religious meaning, as it is considered to be the remains of religious mausoleum-chapels. The ruins of this once magnificent sights are situated nearby the Lekit Village in the outstanding place. The cultural impact doesn’t end though, as this constructed are rumored to be bishopric center in the Albanian Church.

The next place we will be discussing is a perfect getaway for those tourists, that are seeking the natural wonders. Nested amidst the mountain slopes with the river running wild right beside it, the Ilisu Settlement is a small charming village. With mesmerizing views and landscapes, it offers, as well as hospitality of this village’s people, it appears to be a perfect place to take on a quiet journey of falling in love with the absolute beauty of Gakh region.

Ilisu Waterfall is another fascinating example of the beauty Azerbaijan’s lands possess. For some people it’s also known as Ram-rama. Its uniqueness stands out as it is considered the tallest waterfall on the territory of Azerbaijan, reaching over 25 meters height. Its location is also quite alluring to visitors, as it is situated in the Caucasus Mountains, hidden away from prying eyes and adored by locals and those who actively seeks this majestic scenery out. And what a sight it is to behold! The wild streams of ice-cold and crystal-clear water falling down the rocky mountain cliff with everything around it bursting with colors and life. But in winter it becomes no less beautiful, as everything about the already mesmerizing scenery seems to adopt to a completely different aesthetic, transforming into a captivating frozen wonderland.

Ulu Bridge, also known as Ulu-Körpü, is a historic bridge situated on the Kurmukhchay River in the Gakh region of Azerbaijan. Located just two kilometers away from the village of Ilisu, this bridge played a vital role during the era of the Ilisu Sultanate as the sole connection between Ilisu and the surrounding lowlands. Crafted by the skilled artisans of Ilisu, whose identities remain a mystery, Ulu-Körpü Bridge has withstood the test of time for over three centuries, bravely enduring the relentless force of the river. Today, it stands as a significant landmark, providing a vital crossing for the local community. Over the years, the bridge earned its name "Ulu," meaning old or ancient, paying homage to its rich history and remarkable resilience.

Sumug Gala Fortress, dating back to the 17th century, is an awe-inspiring sight perched atop a small hill, offering breathtaking vistas that stretch for kilometers. The fortress is encircled by a low fence, while its tower is adorned with captivating battlements. The path leading to Sumug Gala is paved with charming paving stones, adding to its allure. Today, the fortress houses a branch of the Gakh Local History Museum, showcasing the captivating "History of the Ilisu Sultanate." The tower's name holds intriguing historical significance, with legends attributing its construction to the Ilisu ruler, Sumu Khan. Furthermore, Sumug Gala gained fame throughout the former USSR for its appearance in the beloved film "Don't be afraid, I'm with you." This musical adventure, directed by Yuli Gusman, features renowned Soviet pop and film stars like Polad Bul-Bul Ogly and Lev Durov.