Zagulba Presidential Residence

Zagulba Presidential Residence is a palace with neoclassical features, glass panels, and ornamental details situated near the Caspian Sea coast. The structure combines expansive glass surfaces with decorative accents across its exterior.

The site originally developed as a residence for Communist Party leaders and was later reshaped into its current form under President Ilham Aliyev starting in 2008. This transformation marked the shift from Soviet leadership use to presidential purposes.

The building brings together Western architectural forms and Azerbaijani design elements, showing how the country balances old traditions with new directions. These mixed influences appear in the details you notice when looking at the structure.

The palace sits about 40 kilometers from central Baku and is closed to public access due to strict security measures. Visitors can only view the exterior from surrounding areas.

The palace served as a training location for chess player Garry Kasparov in 1979 when Heydar Aliyev granted him special access. This brief episode links the residence to a notable moment in world chess history.

Inception: 2008

Founders: Ilham Aliyev

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.54222,50.09056

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43