Derbent is the oldest city in the Caucasus and in Russia. It is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. For thousands of years, the city was of great importance because it controlled the route between the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea. Fortress structures were built here to protect the lands from enemies.

The name of the city of Derbent translates as «closed gates.» This place is so named because the famous fortress – the Naryn-Kala Citadel – is located here. It was built 1,500 years ago. This fortress with thick walls blocked the important route between the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea. The height of the fortress is up to 20 meters.

Next to the fortress, an ancient city with narrow streets has been preserved. It is called the Old Town. This is a district of Derbent. Here you can see one- and two-story houses, ancient mosques, fountains, and baths.