Near the Vilashchay River, a climb of more than 200 steps at Yanardagh leads to burning rocks and flames emerging from the ground. Visitors can then enjoy the thermal baths at the Yanardagh Recreation Centre. This gives you a clear sequence for planning: first the climb and natural phenomenon, then the bath. The visit brings together two distinct highlights.

Thermal facilities with different focuses

The Masally Istisu Health Centre offers a different experience. Its facilities include two sanatoriums, small thermal springs, a large outdoor pool with hot water, and treatment facilities. So the difference is not just the thermal water: at Yanardagh, the stairway climb and flames shape the visit; at Istisu, the sanatoriums and treatment facilities take centre stage. You can choose between a visit focused on the climb and the fire phenomenon, and a thermal experience centred on the facilities.

Southern Azerbaijan as a wider travel horizon

The Southern Azerbaijan travel horizon encompasses several distinct themes: Masally's hot springs, destinations such as Lankaran, Lerik and Astara, as well as the Talysh Mountains, nature reserves, fish lavangi, parcha-dosheme plov, and locally grown tea. The region's offerings range from thermal waters and landscapes to cuisine and tea. When planning your trip, consider whether nature, culture, or food will be your main focus.

Cultural history in the wider Masally destination

The wider Masally destination spans a broad historical period. The Imamzade shrine in Hişkədərə dates from the 8th or 9th century. It contains the tomb of İbrahim, a grandson of the seventh Imam Museyi Kazım; the site was restored in 2001. Ərkivan Castle dates from the 9th to 10th centuries. In the town of Masallı, there is a historic bathhouse and a 19th-century Juma Mosque. Also dating from the 19th century are the Amir Mausoleum in Güllütəpə and the Mehti Spring in Ərkivan. The Baba-Seyidağa Mausoleum in Mahmudavar dates from the 16th century.

Museum and archaeological sites in Masally

The Rahim Taghiyev Museum of History and Local Lore is located in Hişkədərə in the wider Masally destination. Its collection comprises more than 19,000 exhibits spanning paleontology, ethnography, numismatics, and archaeology. The museum welcomes visitors from different parts of Azerbaijan and from abroad throughout the year. Check current visitor arrangements before your trip. The four collection areas offer different perspectives, from the history of the Earth and ways of life to coin studies and archaeological finds.

The archaeological sites in the wider Masally area also offer a glimpse into earlier periods. Qaraxantəpə, a Bronze Age kurgan, is located in Hişkədərə. Məmmədtəpə, a Bronze and Iron Age kurgan, is in Təzə Alvadı. Both are kurgans, but they date to different periods: Qaraxantəpə is attributed to the Bronze Age, while Məmmədtəpə spans the Bronze and Iron Ages.

View the wider travel overview: Masally.