Places to visit in Amasya
Amasya Castle
At the top of our Amasya list is Amasya Castle on Mount Harshena. While some historians suggest that the castle was erected by the Pontus King Mithridates, others believe the castle was built by Commander Karsan or Harsana. While the structure was damaged over the centuries, due to battles and time, it maintains its historical value.
Yalıboyu Houses
Built along the banks of the beautiful Yeşilırmak, these adobe houses reflect the characteristics of classical Ottoman houses. Most of the Yalıboyu Houses, which undoubtedly coincide with the historical identity of the city, feature courtyards and gardens. We highly recommend visit these picturesque structures!
Ezine Pazar Inn
Located 35 kilometers from Amasya, the inn was built by Mahperi Hatun, the wife of Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat. Restored in 2007, the Ezine Pazar Inn is a fine example of 13th-century inn culture.
Pontus King Rock Tombs
The next stop in our tour of Amasya’s historical sites is the Pontus King Rock Tombs. The city, which served as the capital of Pontus from 302 BC until 26 BC, hosts 21 distinctive tombs set along the Yeşilırmak valley. Sadly, only a few have survived, but you can read more about these tombs via the link.
Amasya Clock Tower
The Amasya Clock Tower, located in the city center, was erected in 1865 by Governor Ziya Pasha in 1865. The tower was exposed to a fire in its first years and, in 1940, destroyed by the local government of the time on the grounds that it did not comply with the city planning. In 2002, the Clock Tower was rebuilt in accordance with its original form.
Kapı Ağası Madrasah
Built in an octagonal plan, the Kapı Ağası Madrasah is an Ottoman work dating from 1488, but exhibiting Seljuk architectural features. It is known that many important scholars taught at the Kapı Ağası Madrasah, which was the higher education institution of Amasya during the period. The Gök Madrasah was another important educational center of the city.
Burmalı Minare Mosque
The Burmalı Minare Mosque, referred to as the Mahkeme Mosque by Evliya Çelebi in his travel writings, was erected in 1242. Featuring an elegant architectural plan, the mosque complex also includes the Cumudar Tomb.
Boraboy Lake Nature Park
A natural wonder, the Borabay Lake Nature Park is in the Taşova district. The park is centered around Boraboy Lake, created when the river was dammed by a landslide. Fed by river water and water seeping up from its floor, the lake is surrounded by trees and other plant life, as well as walking paths and picnic areas.
Museums in Amasya
Amasya Şehzadeler Museum (Amasya Museum of Princes)
Amasya is where princes were educated and raised during the Ottoman period. The Şehzade Museum, which contains all the features of the period, is at the foot of the Alçak (Low) Bridge in Amasya. In addition to statues of the sultans who spent time in the city during the princely periods, the museum displays examples of original calligraphy and illustrations, traditional woven carpets and other items. The museum’s statues include likenesses of Yıldırım Bayezid Han, Çelebi Mehmet Han, II. Murat Han, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han, II. Bayezid Han, Yavuz Sultan Selim Han and III Murat Han.
Amasya Archeological Museum
The last stop on our Amasya list is the Amasya Archeological Museum. Founded in 1925 and moved to its current building in 1980, the museum houses the works of thirteen different eras and civilizations including the Bronze Age, and the Hittite, Urartu, Phrygian, Scythian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman Periods.
Famous Amasya dishes
You have heard about the crimson Amasya apple – and hopefully you’ve also tasted it. To discover some of Amasya’s other renowned products and dishes, see our mini-list below:
- Çatal (fork) soup, made with green lentils, cracked wheat, and minced meat
- Stuffed fava beans, where the ribs add flavor
- Patlıcan (eggplant) çullama, a tasty appetizer
- Hasuda, a simple yet satisfying dessert
- Amasya çöreği (Amasya donut), the most delicious form of walnut and poppy
Flights to Amasya: Merzifon Airport transportation
The Amasya city center is about 60 kilometers from Merzifon Airport. You can reach the city center from the airport in around 40 to 45 minutes via shuttles. You can also take advantage of various shuttles to get to the district centers from Merzifon Airport. Taxis and car rentals are also available.
Enjoy your trip to Amasya and take lots of photos! We wish you a great holiday in advance!
