The Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve protects over 6,000 rock engravings spread across three sites in a landscape of sandstone boulders and ravines. The petroglyphs span an enormous period — from the Upper Palaeolithic (around 12,000 BC) to the medieval era — and depict hunting scenes, ritual dances, boats, bulls, humans, and constellations. The oldest engravings are among the earliest evidence of human artistic activity in the South Caucasus.
The modern museum at the entrance is well designed and provides context for what you will see outside. The outdoor trail through the boulders takes about 90 minutes at a comfortable pace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, Gobustan is one of Azerbaijan's most important cultural sites and the one that rewards visitors most richly. Guides are available at the museum entrance and are recommended for the outdoor sections — some of the most interesting engravings are easy to miss without local knowledge.
The site is about 65 km southwest of Baku. Take the bus toward Alat from the Avtovagzal bus station, get off at the Gobustan sign, and walk or take a taxi the remaining 5 km to the museum.