Baku, Azerbaijan, June 7
By Vugar Imanov - Trend:
A few days left before the start of the most spectacular sport event, Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe in Baku.
One of the main tracks of Formula 1 will run along the Seaside National Park (Baku Boulevard). By the way, the main grandstands and pit building (22 garages of 11 F1 teams and the paddock club), as well as the race control tower, office facilities of the International Automobile Federation, as well as the F1 management, Baku City Circuit and other facilities are located in front of the Baku Boulevard.
There are various pavilions, a fan zone where everyone can feel like a race car driver, get information about Formula 1 races and buy tickets for this sports event. During the race weekend, there will be an entertainment zone for the spectators of the race. Undoubtedly, the Baku Boulevard will become a place of mass visit of tourists and guests of the Formula 1. They will be able to become familiar with this beautiful part of Azerbaijan's capital.
Which places should be visited in Baku Boulevard?
The Seaside Boulevard is an integral part of Baku. It seems that it has always been there. It is impossible to imagine the city without the Seaside Boulevard. With many attractions and cultural centers, the Baku Boulevard is a favorite recreation center of Baku residents and guests.
The centenary of Baku Boulevard was marked in 2009 and it was only the beginning of its rich history, as it is experiencing a rebirth. The length of the Seaside National Park, which currently stands at 16 kilometers, will reach 25 kilometers after the major reconstruction. There are a lot of amazing things in Baku Boulevard, and the distance is not a problem, because the guests will be provided with maps, while the parents with children will have an opportunity to use road trains.
Let's make this fascinating journey together!
The highest point of the Seaside National Park is the National Flag Square. The flagpole installed there on May 29, 2010 was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest one in the world. The height of the flagpole is 162 meters, while its width and length is 35 meters and 70 meters respectively. Its total weight is 220 tons.
The National Flag Museum is located on the Square. Its building is in the form of an eight-pointed star (an eight-pointed star is depicted on Azerbaijan's flag and state insignia).
Azerbaijan's state insignia, the text of the national anthem and the country's map made of gilt bronze have been carved on the plinth of the state flag. The museum exhibits the restored flags of the states and khanates which existed on the territory of ancient Azerbaijan, insignias, the country's constitutions, postage stamps, banknote samples, orders and medals, photos and documents.
Nearby, you will see the Baku Crystal Hall which was specially built for the Eurovision-2012 song contest. Baku Crystal Hall, which has over 23,000 seats, currently operates as a sports and concert complex for holding international cultural events. Shakira, Beyonce, Rihanna have performed there. Moreover, "San Remo festival stars in Baku" concert and other events were held at Baku Crystal Hall.
There is a unique Stone Chronicle Museum which exhibits many types of stone plastic arts which were found in various parts of Azerbaijan and were delivered in particular from Gobustan and Gala nature reserves. The museum is located in the building of a power plant built in 1921. At one time, this power plant was supplying Baku's oil-extracting enterprises with electricity.
There is another amazing creation of the 21st century - YARAT Contemporary Art Space nearby. Various expositions, recitals of artists, writers, musicians and researchers are organized there.
Moreover, there is the Elektra Events Hall for the youth and a number of green cafes for family recreation.
There is a Bike Park where you can rent bikes of any brand. Moreover, there is a free open sports ground with many training apparatus.
Baku Boulevard has very interesting facilities such as a 75-meter parachute tower and a Ferris wheel.
The new building of the Carpet Museum exhibits unique and rare expositions of ancient and modern heritage of carpet art, national clothes and household and jewelry of Azerbaijan's Gold Fund. You can even have a photo shoot in the national costume there.
There is the most beautiful International Mugham Center. Azerbaijani mugam was included in UNESCO's List of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003 and the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
One of the most beautiful places in the Baku Boulevard is the "Little Venice", a complex of channels, where you can get a gondola ride. This small town, which is the reminiscent of the Italian Venice, gives special beauty to Azerbaijan with its magnificent look.
You can view the whole waterfront by having a boat tour at Baku Bay.
If you go towards the Marine Station along the waterfront, you can see unusual attractions, for example the cactus alley.
Fishing lovers also choose the Baku Bay. By the way, as distinct from the majority of other parks, there are no tablets banning the pet walking on every lawn. Therefore, you can see many four-legged friends there in the evening.
Of course, there are many cafes and restaurants where you can relax during the tour in Baku Boulevard.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe will be held in Baku June 17-19, 2016.
