Winter Park: How a Sweltering Street Became a Beloved Place for Strolling

This is that very place in Baku where jets of water burst through granite paving stones and the aroma of tea lingers in the air. Where children run freely across polished plazas, and adults engage in unhurried conversations on comfortable benches. And now, recall a narrow, congested street plagued by perpetual traffic jams and dust. It is the same point on the map of Baku. This is Winter Park—a place born from a traffic nightmare through a bold vision and a truly unique operation.

Location and Accessibility

Winter Park is located in the very heart of Baku and is remarkably easy to reach.
Full address: Baku, Füzuli Street, 10 (Winter Park).

The main ways to get there are as follows:

1. By Metro (the most convenient option)
   Nearest station: Nizami (formerly “28 May,” Red Line).
   Walking time from the metro: approximately 10–15 minutes.
   Exit the station and proceed south along Neftchilar Avenue.
   Turn left onto Füzuli Street.
   Continue straight ahead—you will soon see the entrance to Winter Park.
2. By Taxi or Private Car
   Use ride-hailing applications such as Bolt, Uber, or local services.
   Simply say: “Winter Park, Füzuli Street” or “Winter Park, Füzuli küçəsi.” All drivers are familiar with the location.
   Parking: paid and free parking spaces are available near the park and on adjacent streets, though finding a spot during peak hours (evenings and weekends) can be challenging.
3. On Foot from Nearby Landmarks
   The park lies within walking distance of many key attractions:
   From the Heydar Aliyev Palace: approximately 5–7 minutes on foot (heading west).
   From Fountain Square: about a 15–20 minute pleasant walk through the historic center.
4. Using Navigation Apps
   The most reliable method is to use digital maps (Google Maps, Yandex Maps, 2GIS) and enter:
   Winter Park Baku or Füzuli küçəsi 10.
   A key landmark: the park is located directly behind the Presidential Library (formerly the Akhundov Library) and adjacent to the Heydar Aliyev Palace. It is a well-maintained green area with fountains and children’s playgrounds.

Interesting Facts

1. This is not merely a park, but a former street that underwent a radical transformation.
2. To create it, an entire historic building weighing 18,000 tons was relocated.
3. The origin of its name remains something of a mystery, though the most popular explanation is linked to the area’s microclimate.
4. In the near future, it will become part of a large pedestrian zone connecting it to Fountain Square.

The Story of Transformation: From Traffic Artery to Green Oasis

The story begins with Balakhanskaya Street, later renamed Basina Street. In the 19th century, it lay on the outskirts of the city, but over time it became one of the most problematic thoroughfares in central Baku. Narrow and perpetually clogged with cars and buses, it was a curse for both drivers and pedestrians. In summer, the heat here felt especially oppressive. Longtime residents joked that the street existed as a test of human endurance.

The turning point came when city authorities decided not merely to widen the road, but to create a полноценная recreational zone in its place. The principal challenge was the historic mansion of Isa bey Hajinski, which stood directly in the way. Rather than demolish it, a unique operation was undertaken in 2012: with the assistance of Dutch specialists, the 18,000-ton building was carefully moved ten meters aside, clearing space for the future park.

Why “Winter”?

No one knows the exact origin of the name, but the most popular explanation is rooted in local memory. Due to peculiar air circulation, this street was said to be unbearably hot in summer. The ironic name “Winter Boulevard” may have been a dream of coolness—one that was eventually realized through the creation of a green oasis complete with fountains.

The Heart of the Park: Fountains, Avenues, and Atmosphere

Winter Park, opened in 2013, quickly won the affection of both residents and visitors to Baku. Its central feature is an unusual fountain-amphitheater: water jets emerge directly from beneath granite slabs, surrounded by tiered seating where one can sit and observe the play of water. In the evening, illumination transforms the space into a vibrant spectacle of color.

Everything here has been thoughtfully designed:

1. Safety: convenient underground passages lead into the park, eliminating the need to cross busy roads.
2. Infrastructure: beneath the park lies a large parking facility, while along the avenues stand elegant glass café pavilions serving traditional tea with preserves.
3. Landscaping: palms, plane trees, and flowering beds are carefully maintained throughout the year.
   
   
   

Concluding Remarks

Winter Park is more than a recreational space. It is a compelling example of how a modern city can rethink its urban fabric: preserving history, resolving transport challenges, and creating an entirely new quality of environment for people. It demonstrates that even the most congested intersection can become a point of attraction—where water flows, trees grow, and people gather. One simply needs the courage to move an entire house—quite literally.