Let’s go: History of Artvin
With settlements dating from the Bronze Age, Artvin has been under the dominion of numerous empires, from the Hurrians to the Hittites, and from the Caspian Turks to the Byzantines to the Ottomans. In 1933, during the Republican period, Artvin became part of the Çoruh province; and in 1936, became the center of the province. In 1956, it was named Artvin and continues to exist under this name.
Places to visit in Artvin
Artvin is notable for its gorgeous nature, but – like most places in Türkiye – it also has history and its own unique character. The area is beautiful throughout the year, though it tends to be somewhat rainy and humid. Between May and August, precipitation is at its lowest.
Artvin’s historical sites
Let’s begin our three-day tour by getting to know the city a little better: its past and present!
Artvin Castle
We start at Artvin Castle, one of the city’s landmarks. It’s in the Çayağzı District of Artvin, about two kilometers from the city center. Set on the banks of the famous Çoruh River, the castle was erected in 937 by Oşet the Great, a Georgian king. Various structures were added during the Ottoman period but the ruins of some of the original chapels and cisterns remain.
Barhal Church
Barhal Church, in Altıparmak village of the Artvin Yusufeli district, was built in the ninth century during the reign of King David Magistros. The church features two chapels, as well as striking carvings on its exterior.
Şavşat Castle
Located 70 kilometers from the Artvin city centre and three kilometers from the town of Şavşat, Şavşat Castle is among the city’s most popular sites. The 10th-century castle was erected by the Georgian Bargatlı kingdom.
Natural beauties of Artvin
Welcome to the greenest landscapes in Türkiye. With limited time, you may find it tough to choose from among the many beautiful routes in this area!
Artvin Karagöl Nature Park
We consider Artvin’s Borçka Karagöl one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. The Artvin Karagöl Nature Park is in the Borçka district, 55 kilometers from Artvin. The forest is a habitat for countless flora and fauna. Human visitors will enjoy the shimmering lake and its wooden pier. Here, you can rent a canoe, hike and camp – and simply enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings.
Artvin Balık Lake
In Pınarlı Village, about two hours from the Artvin city centre, Balık (Fish) Lake features some of Türkiye’s most stunning views. In addition to drinking tea at one of the rustic cafes along the shore, visitors can enjoy camping, as well as light hiking or more strenuous trekking.
While we’re on the topic of camping, if the idea of setting up a tent atop a secluded Black Sea plateau sounds intriguing, just click here.
Mençuna Waterfall
With water plunging from a 92-meter drop, this splendid natural wonder is well worth a visit. Just 28 kilometers from the Arhavi district of Artvin, Mençuna Waterfall also features historical rock-cut bridges and pristine vegetation.
Artvin Glass Terrace
It is now time to visit the highest glass terrace in Türkiye! Set in Artvin Hatila Valley National Park, the Hatila Valley Glass Terrace is approximately 12 kilometers from the Artvin city center; it lies at an elevation of 220 meters from Hatila Creek and covers an area of approximately 15 meters. Welcoming 25,000 visitors annually, the Glass Terrace – naturally – offers absolutely breathtaking views. Bring your camera!
Maçahel
Home to Europe’s oldest rainforest, the Maçahel Valley is Türkiye’s first and only biosphere reserve area under UNESCO protection. Included in the Borçka district of Artvin Province, the area is also known as the Camili Basin. The valley runs along a river on the Türkiye-Georgia border. Six of the eighteen villages in the valley are within the Turkish border. In addition to the hiking trails and glacial lakes of the surrounding mountains, the area is also renowned for its beekeeping and honey production.
Artvin highlands
A trip to Artvin would be incomplete without a visit to one of the area’s highlands. Among the most accessible are Arsiyan Highland in the Şavşat district, and Sahara Highland, just 17 kilometers from the Artvin city center. Also, the İntkor Plateau in the Yusufeli district – featuring a 166-meter waterfall!
To learn more about the Black Sea highlands, click here.
Local products: Dining in Artvin
Türkiye is famous for its regional cuisine and Artvin is no exception, with a gastronomic range influenced by the Laz, Anatolian and Georgian traditions. This Eastern Black Sea cuisine spotlights local and seasonal products; we’ve listed some of the region’s most well-known dishes here:
- Cornbread
- Kuymak (cornmeal and cheese dessert)
- Kaygana (savory crepe-like dish)
- Hamsili ekmek (bread with anchovies)
- Yoğurtlu silor (yoghurt with filo dough)
- Kalaco (savory cornbread pudding)
- Laz böreği (Laz-style pastry)
- Cevizli kete (walnut pastry)
- Karalahana sarması (stuffed kale)
- Turşu kavurması (roasted pickles)
- Hamsili pilav (rice with anchovies)
Important Artvin notes
If you’re ready to pack a bag – and a camera – and head to this magnificent landscape, here are some tips and suggestions.
Staying in Artvin
The area’s popularity has expanded its accommodation options. Obviously, there are numerous hotels in the city center. Accommodations ranging from rustic to upscale are available on the various highlands and in the districts.
