Derbent

Welcome to Derbent, officially recognized as the oldest and southernmost city in Russia. Its name is derived from the Persian 'Darband,' meaning 'closed gate' or 'gateway,' a reflection of its critical strategic location on a…

Standing at the heights of the Naryn-Kala fortress, you are witnessing one of the best-preserved ancient Persian citadels in the world. Built in the sixth century under the Sassanid ruler Khos-row the First, this fortress was…

To reach the citadel from the old city, many visitors take the challenge of the 214 steps. This climb is more than just a physical exercise; it is a journey through the vertical landscape of Derbent. …

Descending from the fortress, we enter the 'Magals,' the ancient heart of Derbent. These narrow, winding streets have remained largely unchanged for centuries, preserving a medieval atmosphere that is rare in modern Russia. …

No journey through Derbent is complete without experiencing the rich culinary traditions of Dagestan. The food here is a reflection of the land’s history—meaty, spicy, and deeply traditional. …

A short journey south along the Caspian coast from Derbent brings you to one of the most surreal sights in Russia: the Ekranoplan Lun, known to Western intelligence as the 'Caspian Sea Monster.' Constructed in 1987, this unique…

In the nineteenth-century Armenian quarter of Derbent stands the Church of the Holy Savior, a beautiful example of cross-domed architecture. After being damaged during the civil war, it was restored and now functions as part of…

Our exploration of Derbent concludes at the edge of the Caspian Sea, looking back at the ancient walls that have stood as a 'fortress of survival' for over fifteen hundred years. We have climbed the 214 steps to the citadel,…