Kastamonu Attractions
North Anatolia
The province of Kastamonu lies in that area of northern Turkey where the Pontic Mountains flatten out. The peaks rarely exceed 2,500m/8,000ft.
The province of Kastamonu lies in that area of northern Turkey where the Pontic Mountains flatten out. The peaks rarely exceed 2,500m/8,000ft.
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Atabey Camii
The ceiling of the famous mosque (1273) in Kastamonu is borne by 40 wooden pillars and is of the early "Wood Mosque" type. The founder's mausoleum can be seen inside the mosque.
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Kasaba, Turkey
(Near Kastamonu)
Kasaba is home to an unusual mosque that is partially made of wood. The mosque dates from the mid 14th C.
Safranbolu, Turkey
(Near Kastamonu)
Situated some 110km/68mi east of Kastamonu, Safranbolu or Saffron Town is regarded as a gem among the small towns of Pontus. The old town houses are better preserved than those in Kastamonu thanks to UNESCO funds. The impressive sights to be found in this picturesque village include the Pontic houses (probably 19th century Greek), the network of vine-covered alleys in the center and the Ottoman caravanserai (Cinci Hani).
Safranbolu Tourist Office
Çesme Mah.
Arasta Çarsisi No. 7
Safranbolu
Turkey
Çesme Mah.
Arasta Çarsisi No. 7
Safranbolu
Turkey
Abana, Turkey
(Near Kastamonu)
The fishing village of Abana is a popular resort for local people. There are some fine sandy beaches near Ilisi and Haci Veli rock.
Caravanserais
Several Ottoman caravanserais can be found in Kastamonu but are now put to a different use.
Cemaleddin Firenksah Hamami
This late Seljuk/early Ottoman bath house in Kastamonu's main square has been excavated and restored.
Ethnological Museum
It was here on August 25th 1925 on the terrace of Kastamonu's museum (interesting ethnological section) that Atatürk announced in a famous speech that the fez was to be banned and Western-style hats were to be introduced for all Turks. The speech was interpreted to indicate closer ties with Europe and a break between church and state.
Ev Kayasi
The locals in Kastamonu refer to this Phrygian tomb as the Rock House. Situated to the south of the town and a short distance from the Ismail Bey Külliyesi, the tomb shows a male figure flanked by horses.
Ilgaz Dagi Milli Parki
A mountain road leads to the entrance of the Ilgaz Dagi National Park which lies about 40km/25mi south of Kastamonu. The thickly wooded Ilgaz Daglari mountain range and the deep Devez Çayi valley are favorite haunts for hunters and walkers who enjoy remote landscapes.
Ismail Bey Külliyesi
This complex in Kastamonu was built ca. 1454 by the last Isfeniyaroglu Ismael Bey (1443-1461) and includes a mosque (reminiscent of the early Sultan's Mosque in Bursa; remarkable porch), bath, paupers' kitchen, caravanserai, theological college and mausoleum for the dynasts. The former Koran school is now used as a free lodging house for older men.
Kale
Kastamonu castle, situated on a rock 112m/367ft above the town, dates from the time of the Byzantine Comnenes (11th/12th century). Large sections of the inner castle and wall are well preserved (fine view).
Kale Kapi
Some 45km/28mi northeast of Kastamonu and to the northwest of the village of Donalar stands a Phrygian gabled rock tomb known as the "Rock Gate". Fronted by pillars with some extensive Achaemenid(Persian)/Greek decorations depicting fables, wild animals and a double eagle, the tomb dates from the fifth century B.C.
Karanlik Bedesten
This covered bazaar in Kastamonu was built in the 15th century and is now used for the sale of ropes and rope-making equipment.
Mencilis Magarasi
The Mencilis caves and underground river lie about 6km/4mi northwest of Safranbolu near the village of Bulak. They are not open to tourists.
Nasrulla Camii
This nine-domed mosque was endowed by Kastamonu's judge Nasrulla Bey in 1506. It has been rebuilt on several occasions and the rectangular prayer room and the two ceremonial washing fountains at the front are of special interest.
Taskopru, Turkey
(Near Kastamonu)
Known in antiquity as Pompeiopolis, Tasköprü lies some 45km/28mi northeast of Kastamonu. At the entrance to the village a 150m/500ft wide arched bridge, probably of Ottoman construction, crosses the River Gökirmak (Blue River). Several Roman cave tombs can be found in the vicinity.
Yakub Aga Külliyesi
This complex in Kastamonu consisting of a mosque with a central dome, richly ornamented porch, carved door and twelve-roomed medrese of irregular construction was built in 1547 on the orders of Süleyman the Magnificent's master cook Yacub Aga.
Yilanli Darüssifasi
This small integrated mosque in Kastamonu with a fine entrance porch was originally built as a sanatorium for the mentally ill and dates from 1271. A number of tombs from the Esfendiyaroglu era can be seen on the ground floor.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
