Rize Attractions

Situated on a narrow coastal strip in a small bay at the foot of the steeply rising Pontic mountain foothills (new town) stands the provincial capital of Rize. The port which exports tea and wood, tea production and more recently tourism (excursions into mountainous hinterland and tea plantations) are the main sources of income. In antiquity the town was called Rhizion (Rhizous, Rhition, Rhitium) and was a port for the territory of Kissioi. In medieval times it was known as Risso. In 1461 after Mehmet II captured Trebizond it became part of the Ottoman Empire.

Offering a fine view over the town the ruined castle (Rize Kalesi) with its tea garden dates from the Middle Ages. The view of the town from the Botanical Gardens (Ziraat Bahçesi) is also particularly impressive. The garden itself which can be reached from a steep road near the western entrance to the town has a collection of sub-tropical flora including an informative range of tea plants.