A journey into time: Historical places in Adana
Stone Bridge in Adana
The Stone Bridge is among the city’s most famous historical sites and the first on our list of Adana attractions. Dating from the Roman era, the iconic bridge separates the city into two sections, connecting via the neighborhoods of Seyhan and Yüreğir. It is 310 meters long and features 21 arches. The bridge was closed to motor vehicle traffic in 2007 and, since that time, has served as an event site. It is easily accessible and definitely one of Adana’s most popular places to visit.
Castle of the Snakes (Yılankale)
Set on the ancient Silk Road at the top of a steep hill is the imposing Castle of the Snakes, believed to have been erected in the 12th or 13th century, during the time of the Crusades. While the castle was built for protection purposes and to oversee caravans, it is also considered the setting for the Shahmaran legend, according to the writings of the 17th-century Turkish traveler, Evliya Çelebi. Still largely intact, the castle retains its majesty, drawing large numbers of visitors. It is in the Ceyhan district of Adana.
Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami)
The Köprüköy Mosque is known locally as the Green Mosque, due to its ivy-covered walls and minaret. In the spring, the structure offers the appearance of a lush garden. It is in the Köprülü neighborhood, in the Yüreğir district.
Saint Paul Church (Bebekli Kilise)
Saint Paul Church (Bebekli Kilise), one of Adana’s most well-known landmarks, was built in the 1880s. The Italian Catholic Church erected in the name of Saint Paul features a two and a half meter sculpture of the Virgin Mary; the Turkish name for the church, “Church with a Baby (Bebekli Kilise)” refers to the infant-like appearance of the statue.
Saint Paul Church is in the Seyhan municipality, Adana’s central district. It is accessible via public bus, minibus, or taxi.
The Great Clock Tower
About a 10-minute walk from Bebekli Kilise is the Great Clock Tower. The 32-meter tower is an Ottoman structure made of cut stone. Its construction was begun in 1881 by Governor Ziya Pasha and finished in 1882 under Governor Abidin Pasha. In addition to being a fine example of Ottoman architecture, the clock tower is notable for surviving an earthquake in 1998.
Varda Viaduct
Varda Viaduct, called the Big Bridge (Koca Köprü) by local residents, is in Hacıkırı village, in the Karaisalı district. The viaduct was built between 1907 and 1912 to link the Istanbul-Baghdad-Hijaz railway line during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid II. Striking in appearance, the railway bridge is 99 meters high and 172 meters long.
Çarşı Hamam (Turkish Bath of the Bazaar)
Back in the Seyhan district is the Çarşı Hamam (Turkish Bath of the Bazaar), just opposite the Great Clock Tower. It was built in 1529 during the Ramadanid Emirate era by Piri Pasha. The historical bath features stone-carved reliefs on the entrance door; it still functions as a hamam, with designated times during the day for women and men.
The capital of kebab: Famous food in Adana
Adana kebab
The Adana kebab is nearly synonymous with the city. Famed throughout Türkiye, the Adana kebab is made with hand-minced lamb meat blended with a spicy mixture of chili, tomato paste and lamb fat. The kebab is usually served with lavash bread, roasted peppers and tomatoes, and onions sprinkled with sumac. The Adana Kebab is now a geographically indicated dish by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.
Craw meal (Şırdan dolması)
Stuffed craw meal (şırdan dolması) is another local Adana dish. To clarify, şırdan refers to the last and the fourth part of the lamb’s stomach. The stomach is washed thoroughly and left to soak in water with salt and lemon. Then, it is stuffed with spicy rice, sewn up, and boiled in water with tomato paste. While şırdan dolması may look unusual, it is absolutely delicious.
Analıkızlı (traditional Turkish dish with stuffed meatballs and chickpeas)
Eaten as a soup or a main dish, analıkızlı is another acclaimed local dish. Its name comes from the large and small spicy meatballs in the dish. A tip for this recipe: when making the meatballs, pound the lean parts of the meat with a mallet. Many restaurants in Adana serve the dish.
Sıkma (A type of wrap)
Adana’s rich culinary tradition encompasses more than meat dishes. An example is sıkma. Wildly popular in the region, sıkma is a breakfast pastry that can be filled with cheese, tomatoes, parsley, potatoes, spinach or various combinations of those items. A sıkma suitable for every taste can be found! When you visit Adana, we recommend starting the day with sıkma and hot tea.
Karakuş dessert
Great meals include dessert and Adana’s karakuş dessert is one of the region’s most famous. Also known as taş kadayıf, flaky pastry is stuffed with walnuts and fried. The dessert is served with sherbet poured over it.
Bici bici dessert
Bici is another well-known Adana-based dessert. This refreshing treat food is prepared by grating ice onto a custard made with starch and water. Rosewater and food coloring give it a red tint. Bici is especially delightful during Adana’s sweltering summers.
You can read more about Adana’s wonderful food and restaurants in the Turkish Airlines Blog, Culinary routes: Dining in Gaziantep, Hatay and Adana.
Adana’s natural beauties
Kapıkaya Canyon
The 20-kilometer Kapıkaya Canyon is one of Adana’s most famous natural wonders, and a terrific place to camp or hike. There’s also a spectacular waterfall –visitors can observe it and take photos from a specially constructed wooden terrace. There is no entrance fee for Kapıkaya Canyon, which is in the Karaisalı district, approximately 55 kilometers from the Adana city center.
Belemedik Valley
Belemedik Valley is also under protection as a natural park. This gorgeous valley is host to various plant and bird species and is especially vibrant in spring. It is a popular destination for anyone who wants to spend time amid nature: there are camping facilities, walking paths and quaint wooden and stone houses. There is no entrance fee for Belemedik Valley, which is around 100 kilometers from the Adana city center.
Handicrafts of Adana
While many traditional handicrafts are no longer made due to technological advancements and a scarcity of apprentices and journeymen, efforts are underway to preserve some of these skills. Tin- and blade-smithing, along with the making of wooden tools, are some of the crafts still practiced. A tin master still operates in the historical bazaar of the Seyhan district.
Now that you’ve read about Adana’s historical sites, delicious food and natural wonders, you can click here to book a flight to this warm city.
We wish you a pleasant holiday!
