Azerbaijan’s Churches: History & Complete Travel Guide

Azerbaijan is often associated with the Caspian Sea, Eastern traditions, and Islamic culture. Yet the country also holds a lesser-known treasure — its Christian heritage. For centuries, Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Armenian, and Udi communities lived here, leaving behind churches that reflect the multicultural history of the Caucasus.

From ancient Caucasian Albanian temples in Sheki and Gabala to 19th–20th century cathedrals and Lutheran kirches in Baku, these churches are not only places of worship but also monuments to the country’s diverse past. Exploring them allows travelers to discover another side of Azerbaijan — one of spiritual depth, historical encounters, and cultural variety.

✨ Churches in Baku

Built in 1892, this church is considered the oldest surviving Orthodox temple in Baku. It was erected for the growing Russian community that arrived in the city during the oil boom of the late 19th century. Unlike the larger and more ornate cathedrals, this church is modest in size and design, made of red brick with a single dome and a small bell tower.

The simplicity of its architecture gives it a certain charm. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate: candlelight flickers on old icons, and the smell of incense fills the air. The church survived the Soviet period, when many religious buildings were destroyed or closed, and continued to function quietly as a spiritual refuge. For tourists, it offers not only a glimpse of Orthodox traditions but also a sense of continuity — a place that has withstood political changes and preserved its sacred purpose.

This is the main Orthodox cathedral of Baku, built in the early 20th century in the Neo-Byzantine style. Its imposing façade, domes, and spacious interior reflect the prosperity of the Russian community during the oil boom. The cathedral was originally dedicated to the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, revered in Orthodoxy for their faithfulness.

The architecture is monumental, with high arches, detailed iconostasis, and frescoes that add grandeur to the space. During Soviet times, the cathedral was closed and repurposed, but in the 1990s it was restored and reopened. Today it serves as the spiritual heart of Orthodox Christianity in Azerbaijan. Visitors are welcome to attend services, especially on major feast days like Christmas and Easter, when the sound of bells and choral singing fills the air.

The Catholic presence in Baku dates back to the late 19th century, when Polish, German, and other European expatriates settled in the city. Their first church was destroyed in the 1930s during Soviet anti-religious campaigns. The modern church, completed in 2008 with the blessing of Pope John Paul II and support from the Vatican, symbolizes revival and continuity.

Architecturally, the church is modern yet respectful of tradition: a bright interior with stained-glass windows, clean lines, and statues of the Virgin Mary and saints. Services are multilingual — in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, and Polish — reflecting the diverse congregation. Tourists often find this church welcoming and inclusive, a place where they can attend Mass regardless of their language or background.

The German community of Baku was one of the most influential during the city’s oil boom, and the Lutheran Kirche, built in 1899, stands as their spiritual and cultural legacy. Designed in Neo-Gothic style, the church impresses with its tall spire, pointed arches, and stained-glass windows. At the time of its construction, it was a center of social and religious life for Baku’s Germans.

Though the church no longer functions as a Lutheran parish, it has found new life as a cultural venue. Organ concerts held here are especially popular, with the music resonating under the high vaulted ceiling, creating a powerful and unforgettable experience. Exhibitions and performances also take place here, turning the kirche into a bridge between past and present. For visitors, it is both a historical monument and a cultural hub.

Built in the 19th century by the Armenian community of Baku, this church once served as an important spiritual and cultural center of the city. Its architecture reflects the traditional Armenian style of that period, with stone walls, arched windows, and a harmonious balance of simplicity and elegance.

Today, the church no longer functions as a place of worship. Instead, the building has been preserved and transferred to the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan. It now houses a library and an archive of rare manuscripts. Entry is restricted to research or official purposes, but even from the outside, the structure remains a valuable monument of architecture and a reminder of Baku’s multicultural past.

For visitors, this site represents more than just a historic building: it symbolizes the once-thriving Armenian presence in Baku and the diverse communities that shaped the city’s history in the 19th and 20th centuries.

✨ Churches in Azerbaijan’s Regions

As the second-largest city of Azerbaijan, Ganja was historically home to both Russian and Armenian communities.

Church of St. Alexander Nevsky was built in the 19th century for Russian settlers. Its classic Orthodox design includes domes, icons, and a richly decorated altar. Despite the challenges of the Soviet era, the church survived and continues to serve local Orthodox Christians today.

The city also preserves Armenian churches, though many are not active. Their architecture, with detailed stonework and cross motifs, speaks of the once-thriving Armenian presence in the region.

Sheki is home to one of the most remarkable Christian landmarks in the Caucasus.

Church of Kish (Church of St. Eliseus) is often referred to as the “mother of Caucasian churches.” According to tradition, it was founded in the 1st century by the Apostle Eliseus, a disciple of St. Thaddeus. The current stone building dates back to the 12th century, but excavations reveal earlier foundations, showing continuous use over centuries.

Today, the church functions as a museum. Inside, the thick stone walls, small windows, and ancient atmosphere give visitors a sense of stepping back into the earliest days of Christianity. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, the church is not only a sacred site but also a highlight of Sheki’s scenic beauty.

In the Udi village of Nij, near Gabala, lies one of the most unique Christian sites in Azerbaijan:

Albanian Church of St. George. The Udis are considered direct descendants of the ancient Caucasian Albanians, and this church is their living spiritual center. Restored in the 20th century, it remains active and serves as a gathering place for the community. Visitors often describe the experience as authentic and moving, as the church connects modern-day believers with a tradition stretching back nearly two millennia.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic preserves traces of its Christian past. Archaeological evidence shows that the region once hosted many Armenian and Albanian churches. Although many have not survived intact, the ruins and sites remain valuable for understanding the spread of Christianity in the South Caucasus. For adventurous travelers, Nakhchivan offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, combining early Christian history with dramatic landscapes.

- In Baku, most churches are located close to each other in the city center and can be visited on foot.

- In the regions (Sheki, Gabala, Ganja), a car or guided tour is recommended, as the churches are located in remote or mountainous areas.

- Respectful clothing is advised: women should bring a scarf for Orthodox or Albanian churches.

- Cultural events, such as organ concerts in Baku or festivals in Sheki, add another dimension to a church visit.

- Christmas (January 7 Orthodox, December 25 Catholic) — festive liturgies, choir singing, and decorated interiors.

- Easter (dates vary) — processions, bell ringing, and celebratory masses.

- Autumn–Winter — best season for concerts at the Lutheran Kirche of St. Mary in Baku.

- Spring–Summer — ideal for regional trips, when Sheki and Gabala are lush with greenery and mountain scenery.

- Historical Tours — many agencies offer “Ancient Albania” routes that include the Church of Kish and Albanian churches of Gabala.

✨ Exploring the churches of Azerbaijan is more than a cultural excursion — it is a journey through centuries of history, faith, and identity. From ancient sanctuaries in the Caucasus mountains to elegant cathedrals in Baku, they reveal the layers of a country shaped by many peoples and traditions.