Round Tower, Medieval fortress in Mardakan, Azerbaijan.
The Round Tower is a medieval fortress in Mardakan featuring a circular structure with thick stone walls and an elevated entrance located partway up the exterior. Multiple interior levels are connected by stone staircases, allowing access up to the top where views extend across the surrounding landscape.
Construction began in 1232 as a defensive structure to guard the Caspian Sea coast from threats. It was built under local leadership during a period when fortifications were essential for regional security.
The interior spaces show how defenders once lived and worked, with stone chambers and passages that reveal medieval construction techniques from the region. The architectural style reflects building methods that were common along the Caspian coast during that period.
Access requires climbing to the elevated entrance, so visitors should be comfortable with stairs and uneven surfaces before entering. The best views from the top are available during daylight hours when weather conditions are clear and visibility is good.
The raised entrance was a deliberate defensive strategy that made it harder for attackers to breach the fortress quickly. Narrow loopholes in the walls reveal how archers could monitor the surroundings while remaining protected from outside threats.
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