"The Gala Archaeological-Ethnographic Museum Complex"
The Gala Archaeological-Ethnographic Museum Complex, established in 2008 with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, stands proudly in the ancient village of Gala within Baku’s Khazar district. This unique museum complex, a rarity among open-air museums worldwide, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyles of Gala’s inhabitants spanning from the 3rd millennium BC to the present day.
Preserved within the Castle Archaeological-Ethnographic Museum Complex are a plethora of historical artifacts and structures, including mounds, tombs, residential houses, remnants of an ancient castle, five mosques, three baths, and more. Visitors can experience firsthand the traditional practices of pottery-making and baking, which continue to operate much like they did in the Middle Ages.
The museum complex also boasts a wealth of archaeological wonders, such as rock dwellings from the Bronze Age, ancient rock paintings, remnants of primitive walls, and underground roads dating back to the X-XIV and X-XV centuries, leading towards the Caspian Sea and Baku city. Additionally, relics from the XVIII century, including tandir ovens, Gavaldash stones, ceramics, household items, weapons, coins, and remnants of ancient residential complexes, are on display for visitors to explore.
In 2011, the Castle Information Center, the Ethno-Ecological Center, and the Museum of Antiques were established within the Castle Museum Complex, further enriching the visitor experience. Additionally, a caravanserai-restaurant was introduced, allowing guests to savor the flavors of Azerbaijani cuisine amidst the rich historical backdrop of the Gala Archaeological-Ethnographic Museum Complex.
