The next feature in AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” column highlights the Zagatala Fortress.

Zagatala is located in the northwest of Azerbaijan, on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, in the Ganikh-Ayrichay valley. The region is renowned for its historic sites and landmarks, one of which is the Zagatala Fortress.

The fortress was built in 1830. Two sides of the triangular castle—the eastern and western parts—are steep, while the northern side lies at ground level. A defensive ditch, 10 meters wide and 5 meters deep, was constructed outside the fence to provide protection. Covering an area of 11.5 hectares, the fortress is encircled by 3,000 meters of walls standing 3 to 5 meters tall and features three entry points.

Despite being a 19th-century structure, the fortress included two underground escape tunnels, a defensive feature typically associated with medieval castles. The passages extend in two directions beneath the fortress—one leading towards the city, and the other towards Galaduzu.

Zagatala Fortress has been declared a Historical-Cultural Reserve. Today, it houses the Zagatala State Art Gallery. The fortress has also served as a filming location for the movies “Invincible Battalion” and “Javad Khan.”