Baku

The capital and commercial center of Azarbaijan, Baku, fluidly combines the old with the modern. The wall-enclosed Old Town dates back to the 12th century, and within the walls lies The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which includes the palace, the shah's burial vault, and the shah's mosque. In contrast, the ultramodern Zaha-Hadid-designed Heydar Aliyev Centre has a distinctly curvy and beautiful look, housing exhibitions, and is surrounded by a park. Other distinct landmarks include the promenade and Mini Venice, the Flaming Towers, and that is but a taste.