Azneft Square

Strolling along the Caspian coast, it's impossible to miss one of the city's most majestic spots. Azneft Square is not just a major transport hub, but a true architectural symbol where the famous Neftyanikov Avenue begins in the city of Baku. Located at the intersection of historical heritage and the rhythm of modern life, the square serves as the grand gateway to the promenade and the Old City.

This location in Azerbaijan is unique for its architectural ensemble. Buildings in the styles of Eclecticism, Art Nouveau, and Stalinist Empire sit harmoniously side-by-side, reflecting the wealth of the "oil era" of the early 20th century. The square is surrounded by legendary structures, including the State Oil Company building and the luxurious mansions of former oil magnates, which are today part of a UNESCO protected zone.

Azneft Square. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

A high rating among travelers confirms that this place possesses a special atmosphere. It offers a beautiful view of the sea and modern skyscrapers, while its proximity to Seaside Boulevard (Primorsky Bulvar) makes the square an ideal starting point for discovering the soul of the city.

Since Azneft Square is an open public space in the very heart of the city, it has no official office or dedicated telephone line. For up-to-date information on city events, tourists are recommended to contact Baku information centers.

At Azneft Square, visitors can find aesthetic pleasure in contemplating architectural masterpieces. Be sure to take the time to examine the Isa bey Hajinski House and the "Azneft" building—their facades, decorated with intricate carvings and elements of Gothic and Baroque, provide a magnificent backdrop for photographs. In the evening, the buildings are illuminated, turning the square into one of the city's most romantic spots.

In addition to an architectural walk, it is worth heading from here for a promenade along the Seaside Boulevard. This is an excellent opportunity to feel the rhythm of Baku: watch the locals, stop by cozy coastal cafes, or simply admire the view of the Caspian Sea. In the summer, cultural events and city festivals are often held on the square and the adjacent areas.

For history buffs, a walk along Neftyanikov Avenue will be a real quest: every building here preserves the memory of prominent figures and events of the past. Thanks to the proximity to Icherisheher, you can easily move from the monumental buildings of the 20th century to the ancient labyrinths of the Old City in just a few minutes.

You can get to Azneft Square from any point in the city, as it is located in one of the most recognizable districts of Baku. If you prefer the metro, the nearest station is "Icherisheher". From there, it is about a 10–15 minute walk heading towards the waterfront.

For those choosing comfort, a taxi ride from Heydar Aliyev International Airport will take approximately 20–30 minutes (costing around 10–15 AZN). City buses also run through the area, and its proximity to the Seaside Boulevard makes it easily accessible during walking tours of the center.

If you are traveling by your own or a rented car, there are parking zones nearby; however, traffic can be heavy on weekdays and during peak hours, so a walk from the Old City is often a more pleasant and faster option.

The history of Azneft Square is inextricably linked to the rapid development of Baku in the 19th century. In 1855, according to the general port development plan, this territory was adjacent to the fortress moat. With the start of the "oil boom," the square became a hub of wealth and power: magnificent mansions belonging to the most influential industrialists of the era rose here.

One of the oldest buildings is the mansion of oil industrialist Lev de Bour, completed in 1895, while the "Azneft" company building itself was originally built by philanthropist Michael Aramyants for his family. Equally famous is the "House with Atlantes"—the house of Isa bey Hajinski, erected in 1910–1914. Interestingly, in 1944, Charles de Gaulle himself stayed in this building on his way to Moscow.

Neftyanikov Avenue, which begins at the square, has changed many names throughout its history: from Alexander II Embankment to Gubanov and Stalin streets. It received its modern name in honor of the oil industry workers in 1961. The square has evolved for over 140 years, gradually transforming from a marketplace for Iranian merchants into the grand facade of modern Azerbaijan.

Usually, 1–2 hours is enough to explore the architectural ensemble of Azneft Square and have a leisurely photoshoot against the backdrop of its historical buildings. This time is sufficient to admire the details of the mansion facades and enjoy the sea breeze from the promenade side.

However, given its location, a visit to the square is most often part of a longer itinerary. If you plan to combine your walk with a visit to the Old City (Icherisheher) and relaxation on the Seaside Boulevard, we recommend setting aside at least 3–4 hours or even an entire afternoon for this area.

Azneft Square is open to visitors 24/7, every day. As a public space, it has no breaks or days off, allowing you to admire its beauty both in the rays of the morning sun and in the glow of the night-time illumination.

Please note that the museums, offices, or cafes located around the square have their own operating schedules. If you plan to go inside specific buildings or establishments, we recommend checking their working hours on their official websites in advance.

Exploring the surroundings of Azneft Square can significantly enrich your travel experience. Thanks to its central location, it is easy to reach many parks, entertainment centers, and memorial areas that reveal different facets of the capital's modern life.

Below are some interesting locations situated relatively close to the square: