Mukhtarov's Mansion, Baku
The Mukhtarov's Mansion, also known as Palace of Happiness, is an emblematic historical building in Baku. Located centrally along Istiglaliyyat Avenue, this magnificent structure is an exemplar of Neo-Gothic architecture, a rare style in the region, reflecting the cosmopolitan influences of early 20th-century Baku.
Constructed between 1911 and 1912 by the wealthy Azerbaijani oil baron Murtuza Mukhtarov, the palace was intended as an extravagant gift for his wife, Liza-Khanum Tuganova. Inspired by the couple's travels across Europe, particularly in France, the design of the Palace was directly influenced by a French Gothic building that left a significant impression on Liza. Moved by her admiration for its architecture, Mukhtarov secretly arranged for a replica to be built in Baku, even procuring the original blueprints from France.
The architect behind this grand endeavor was J贸zef P艂oszko, a Polish architect renowned for his contributions to Baku's architectural heritage. Under his guidance, the building rose swiftly over nine months, culminating in a surprise reveal to Liza, who was brought to the newly completed palace in a carriage.
A striking feature of the Palace is the statue of Zawisza Czarny, a legendary Polish knight known for his valor and honor, positioned above the entrance, symbolizing the noble aspirations behind the construction.
The building's history is marked by tragedy and change. Mukhtarov, defending his home, tragically ended his life during the Bolshevik occupation in 1920. Post-occupation, the building served various public functions, including as a women鈥檚 vocational club and a museum, before becoming the Palace of Marriage Registrations during the Soviet era. In 2001, it was officially recognized as a monument of cultural and historical significance by the Azerbaijani government.
After extensive restoration, the Palace of Happiness reopened in 2012 and continues to serve as a cherished venue for wedding ceremonies, embodying both the romantic origins of its creation and its enduring place in the heart of Baku.
Constructed between 1911 and 1912 by the wealthy Azerbaijani oil baron Murtuza Mukhtarov, the palace was intended as an extravagant gift for his wife, Liza-Khanum Tuganova. Inspired by the couple's travels across Europe, particularly in France, the design of the Palace was directly influenced by a French Gothic building that left a significant impression on Liza. Moved by her admiration for its architecture, Mukhtarov secretly arranged for a replica to be built in Baku, even procuring the original blueprints from France.
The architect behind this grand endeavor was J贸zef P艂oszko, a Polish architect renowned for his contributions to Baku's architectural heritage. Under his guidance, the building rose swiftly over nine months, culminating in a surprise reveal to Liza, who was brought to the newly completed palace in a carriage.
A striking feature of the Palace is the statue of Zawisza Czarny, a legendary Polish knight known for his valor and honor, positioned above the entrance, symbolizing the noble aspirations behind the construction.
The building's history is marked by tragedy and change. Mukhtarov, defending his home, tragically ended his life during the Bolshevik occupation in 1920. Post-occupation, the building served various public functions, including as a women鈥檚 vocational club and a museum, before becoming the Palace of Marriage Registrations during the Soviet era. In 2001, it was officially recognized as a monument of cultural and historical significance by the Azerbaijani government.
After extensive restoration, the Palace of Happiness reopened in 2012 and continues to serve as a cherished venue for wedding ceremonies, embodying both the romantic origins of its creation and its enduring place in the heart of Baku.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Baku. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Mukhtarov's Mansion on Map
Sight Name: Mukhtarov's Mansion
Sight Location: Baku, Azerbaijan (See walking tours in Baku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Baku, Azerbaijan (See walking tours in Baku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Baku, Azerbaijan
Create Your Own Walk in Baku
Creating your own self-guided walk in Baku is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Baku Introduction Walking Tour
Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan. It is also the country's largest city with about 25 percent of the nation's population located here.
A city existed on the site of Baku since at least the 5th century ADE. The city at that time was called Bagavan. The first record of its modern name appeared in 938 when it was called Bakuh. The city was a domain of the Arab Caliphate, followed... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
A city existed on the site of Baku since at least the 5th century ADE. The city at that time was called Bagavan. The first record of its modern name appeared in 938 when it was called Bakuh. The city was a domain of the Arab Caliphate, followed... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Baku's "Ichari Shahar" [pronounced ee-char-EE sha-HAR], which literally means Inner City, is also often referred to by foreigners as the Old City. This unique architectural preserve differs considerably from other ancient places in Azerbaijan and is replete with fascinating architectural monuments. The most prominent of them are the 12th-century, 97-foot Maiden Tower (the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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The city of Baku is an architectural marvel that delights with its historic buildings, grand mansions and cultural diversity. The Old City, for example, is full of fantastic old mosques and palaces that are listed as heritage monuments by UNESCO. The city is especially beautiful at night when it is wonderfully illuminated. Follow this self-guided walking tour to see the most impressive... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles