Discover the fascinating history of the 19th century oil boom and Polish heritage in Baku on this private tour.
Description
We would like to offer a private tour in Baku that covers the 19th-century Polish heritage and the oil boom in Baku. The tour will include hotel pick-up and will start with a visit to either the History Museum of Azerbaijan or the Taghiyev House Museum. The Taghiyev House Museum was designed by Polish architect Jozef Goslawski (in Polish: Józef Gosławski) (1865-1904), who was nicknamed the “Caucasian Rastrelli” following his successful contribution to the construction of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Guests will have the opportunity to discover the legacy of one of the biggest oil barons and philanthropists, Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, in Baku.
Goslawski was invited to Baku after graduating from the St. Petersburg Institute of Civil Engineers to work in the city’s construction department. He became the favoured architect of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, for whom he designed the Taghiyev Palace and the School for Muslim Girls. In 1892, he was appointed as Baku’s chief city architect and remained in this position until his untimely death in 1904. His final project was the building of the Baku City Duma (the local government).
After exploring the works of Jozef Goslawski, the tour will continue to uncover the architectural heritage of Baku designed by Jozef Ploszko (in Polish: Józef Płoszko) (1867-1931). Ploszko was invited to Baku by Jozef Goslawski after graduating from the St. Petersburg Institute of Civil Engineers and began working for the construction department of the Baku City Administration.
Ploszko became the favored architect of the oil barons Musa Naghiyev and Murtuza Mukhtarov, for whom he designed the Palace of Happiness and the Ismailiyya Palace, respectively. Other noteworthy structures designed by him include the State Puppet Theatre building, the former Virgin Mary Catholic Church, and the Lukoil office building.
During this part of the tour, guests will have the chance to see these magnificent buildings up close and learn about the unique architectural style that blends European and Eastern influences. The guide will provide historical and cultural insights, enhancing guests’ understanding of the city’s rich heritage.
