Amasya is a historic city and province in north-central Turkey, set in a dramatic gorge on the Yeşilırmak river beneath the rocky heights of Mount Harşena. Known as the Şehzadeler Şehri, or City of Princes, where Ottoman heirs trained as provincial governors, Amasya is famous for its Pontic royal rock tombs carved into the cliffs, its riverside Ottoman timber mansions, and its sweet apples. The birthplace of the ancient geographer Strabo, it blends Hellenistic, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman heritage in one of Turkey's most scenic provincial towns.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Amasya.
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1
Pontic Royal Rock Tombs (Kral Kaya Mezarları)
Monumental tombs of the kings of Pontus carved into the cliff face of Mount Harşena, dating from the 4th–1st century BC, on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list. The 21 chambers are illuminated dramatically at night.
Tip: Visit before 10:00 or after 16:00 to avoid tour groups and midday heat on the climb · A combined ticket with Harşena Castle is available at the entrance kiosk · Wear shoes with grip; the stone steps are steep and can be slippery when wet · Bring a small torch — the inner chambers are dimly lit · The evening floodlit view from the south-bank promenade is free and spectacular
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2
Harşena Castle (Amasya Kalesi)
A hilltop fortress above the Yeşilırmak gorge with Pontic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman layers, offering panoramic views over the city, river, and surrounding mountains.
Tip: Purchase the combined ticket with the rock tombs at the entrance kiosk — it covers Harşena Castle · The path from the rock tombs to the castle adds 20–30 minutes of steep climbing beyond the tomb viewpoint · Wear sturdy footwear — the summit terrain is rocky and uneven · Late afternoon provides the best light for photographing the old town from the summit · Bring water; there is no vendor at the summit
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3
Yalıboyu Ottoman Houses
A row of 18th- and 19th-century timber Ottoman mansions with overhanging bay windows lining the north bank of the Yeşilırmak, best viewed from the south bank after dark.
Tip: The best views and photographs come from the south-bank promenade directly across the river · Visit after 20:00 in summer for the floodlit facade and water reflections at their best · Hazeranlar Konağı offers a rare look inside a restored Ottoman interior at very low cost · Walk the lanes behind the north bank to find a neighbourhood largely unchanged for generations · Golden hour before sunset produces warm light on the ochre facades — ideal for photography
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4
Sultan Bayezid II Mosque and Külliye
Amasya's grandest Ottoman complex, completed in 1486, comprising a mosque, madrasa, soup kitchen, and shaded riverside courtyard with giant plane trees.
Tip: Visit outside the five daily prayer times to explore the mosque interior freely · Dress modestly and carry a headscarf; free scarves may be available at the entrance · Morning light entering from the southeast is ideal for photographing the mihrab · The plane-tree courtyard is a perfect rest stop between the rock tombs and the old bazaar · The madrasa wing sometimes hosts rotating art and cultural exhibitions — check locally
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5
Amasya Museum (Müze)
Provincial archaeology and ethnography museum holding rare naturally preserved 14th-century Ilkhanid mummies, Hittite bronzes, Hellenistic coins, and Ottoman artefacts.
Tip: The Müzekart (Turkish museum pass) covers admission — worthwhile if visiting multiple state museums · Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to cover the collection thoroughly · The mummy hall is the highlight; it is near the entrance and clearly signed · Labels are in Turkish and English for principal objects; a printed guide is available at the desk · Photography of the mummies may be restricted — confirm current policy at the entrance
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6
Hazeranlar Konağı
A beautifully restored 1865 Ottoman waterfront mansion now housing an ethnography museum. The river-facing reception rooms with their original furnishings and the view over the Yeşilırmak make this one of Amasya's most atmospheric interiors — entry under $2.
Tip: Admission is very inexpensive — it is well worth paying to see the interior · The upper river-facing salon is the highlight; take time with the carved ceiling details · Remove shoes before entering the furnished rooms, as is customary in Turkish ethnography museums · Combine with the Yalıboyu promenade walk and coffee at one of the adjacent riverside cafés · Photography inside is generally permitted — the latticed window light makes for atmospheric shots
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7
Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Museum of History of Medicine (Bimarhane)
Housed in the 1308 Ilkhanid Darüşşifa — one of the world's oldest psychiatric institutions — this museum illustrates medieval medical practice including the music therapy used to treat patients in 14th-century Anatolia.
Tip: Combine with the Torumtay Tomb and Gök Medrese Camii just metres away for a full old-town walk · Labels are in Turkish and English — the main panels on music therapy are particularly detailed · Allow 45–60 minutes to read the exhibits carefully; the surgical atlas facsimiles reward attention · The courtyard photographs well in morning light · The Müzekart may cover admission — confirm at the entrance
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8
Gök Medrese Camii (Blue Seminary Mosque)
A Seljuk mosque from 1266 with one of the finest blue-faience tile portals in Anatolia. The ornate stonework of the entrance iwan rewards close inspection and makes for exceptional photography in morning light.
Tip: Visit outside the five daily prayer times to examine the portal and interior freely · Morning light is ideal for photographing the deeply carved entrance iwan · Examine the carved arabesque borders at eye level — the detail is extraordinary up close · Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the prayer hall · Combine with the Torumtay Türbe and the Bimarhane Museum for a complete Seljuk–Ilkhanid circuit
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9
Yeşilırmak Riverfront Promenade
The evening walk along the south bank between the Bayezid Mosque and the rock-tomb steps is Amasya's signature free experience. After 20:00 in summer, the Pontic cliff face, rock tombs, and Ottoman mansions are floodlit in amber — one of the most beautiful scenes in Turkey.
Tip: Visit after 20:00 in summer for the full floodlit display on the cliff face and mansion row · The cafés on the south bank offer the best seated views of the illuminated north bank · The walk is most atmospheric in spring and summer when local families fill the riverside · The promenade is completely flat and pushchair and wheelchair friendly · Combine with an evening tea stop at the Taşhan caravanserai courtyard nearby
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10
Borabay Lake (Borabay Gölü)
A pristine natural lake 55 km north of Amasya set in mixed forest near Taşova. Swimming, lakeside walking trails, and a small campsite make it the best half-day or full-day nature excursion from the city, particularly beautiful in spring and early autumn.
Tip: Hire a private car or join a day tour from Amasya — public transport to the lake is very limited · Arrive early on summer weekends to secure a picnic spot; weekdays are far quieter · Bring a swimsuit and a light jacket — the water is cold even in July · The walking trail around the lake takes about 1 hour; sturdy footwear is recommended · Early autumn (September–October) offers peak foliage colour and cooler, more comfortable conditions
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit the Pontic rock tombs in the morning (09:00–11:00) for the best light and smallest crowds; they are dramatic but short on interpretive signage, so read up beforehand
The castle path is steep and exposed — wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and avoid the midday hours in July and August
All major sites in the old town are within a 20-minute walk; combine rock tombs, Hazeranlar Konağı, and the Bayezid complex in a single morning on foot
The river-view illumination of the tombs and houses begins around 20:00 in summer — a free spectacle from the south-bank promenade
Many sites charge only a small entry fee (80–120 TRY / approx $2) and are cashless — have lira to hand for smaller attractions
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to see Amasya's main attractions?
Two full days cover the rock tombs, Harşena Castle, Hazeranlar Konağı, the Amasya Museum, and the Sultan Bayezid II complex comfortably. A third day allows a day trip to Hattusa (Boğazkale) or Borabay Lake.
Are the Pontic rock tombs worth climbing to?
Yes. The path up from the riverside takes about 20 minutes and the carved chambers are impressive from close up, but the best visual impact is from below, especially at night when they are floodlit against the cliff.
Are there English-language guides at the sites?
Information panels at major sites are in Turkish and English. The Amasya Museum has bilingual labels. Independent travellers can buy local guidebooks at the bazaar or use Turkish audio-guide apps.
Is the castle open year-round?
Harşena Castle is accessible year-round, though the upper path can be icy and dangerous in winter (December–February). In summer it is best visited before 10:00 or after 17:00 to avoid the heat.