Black holes in Active Galactic Nuclei: observations

This paper summarizes the observations which provide the best evidence for the presence of black holes in active galactic nuclei. This includes: X-ray variability; kinematical studies using optical emission lines as well as the distribution of megamaser spots; and the shape of the Fe K$\alpha$ X-ray emission line. It also presents the current status of our understanding of jet-dominated active galaxies (blazars), and briefly reviews the currently popular AGN ``Unification Schemes.‘’