A heritage walk linking the floodlit Pontic royal rock tombs above the Yeşilırmak with the Aynalı Mağara, the Mirror Cave tomb whose polished facade gleams in the sun, on the northern side of the city. Steps and terraces connect the carved chambers, with views down over the old town and the river throughout.
The Kral Kaya Tombs and Aynalı Mağara Walk is a heritage circuit in Amasya linking two of the city's most remarkable rock-cut monuments. The walk begins at the Kral Kaya Mezarları, the Pontic royal rock tombs cut into the amber cliff above the Yeşilırmak in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Entry to the tomb terraces requires a ticket of approximately 90–120 TL available at the gate in Hatuniye Mahallesi. From the tombs the route descends through the old quarter and then follows the northern hillside of the Yeşilırmak valley for around 3 kilometres to the Aynalı Mağara, a mirror-polished rock-cut tomb chamber whose reflective facade, carved into the cliff in the Hellenistic period, gives it its Turkish name meaning Mirror Cave.
The point-to-point distance is approximately 5 kilometres with modest elevation changes of around 120 metres negotiated through stone steps, riverside paths and a brief rocky ascent to the cave. The surface varies from smooth paved walkways in the old town to uneven stone steps on the tomb terraces and a rougher trail near the cave. No technical equipment is required; the route is walkable in trainers, though grip-soled shoes are advised for the cave approach.
Between the two monuments the path traces the edge of the Yeşilırmak, passing traditional timber-framed Yalıboyu houses, tea gardens and the Ottoman-era Sultan Beyazıt II Mosque complex. The city's history spans Hittite, Pontic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman layers, all visible within a single morning's walk. A taxi or a longer riverside extension is needed to return from the Aynalı Mağara, as the cave sits about 3 kilometres north of the centre and no circular path connects the two monuments.
Water is available at tea gardens along the central section. The tomb terraces have limited shade and can be hot in summer; the riverside walk between monuments provides tree cover. The circuit is best completed on a weekday morning when the site is quieter and the light on the tomb facades is most favourable for photography.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Northern hillside of Mount Harşena and the Ziyaret valley, Amasya
- Best season
- March-June and September-November
What to bring
- Trainers or hiking shoes
- 1.5 litres of water
- Sun protection
- Camera for the cliff tombs
- Light snack
Location
Kral Kaya Mezarları, Hatuniye Mahallesi, 05100 Amasya, Turkey
40.6533, 35.8303 View on map
Highlights
- Hellenistic royal rock tombs of the Pontic kings, among the most impressive cliff monuments in Turkey
- Aynalı Mağara mirror-polished tomb facade gleaming in morning sunlight on the northern cliff face
- Riverside walk past Yalıboyu Ottoman timber houses reflected in the Yeşilırmak
- Sultan Beyazıt II Mosque complex visible en route through the old town
- Layered history spanning Pontic, Roman and Ottoman periods within a single walk
Tips for visiting
- Visit the tombs early, around 08:00–09:00, when the amber cliff face catches the best light and crowds are absent
- Take a taxi from the Aynalı Mağara back to the centre rather than retracing the full 3 km on foot
- Carry the entry ticket from the tombs gate as it may be checked at intermediate terrace levels
- Combine the walk with the Amasya Museum on the same morning for full historical context
- The cave facade is best photographed in the late morning when direct sun reaches it; avoid midday in summer
When to visit
March to June and September to November offer cool mornings and optimal light on the cliff faces. Early-morning visits on weekdays provide the quietest conditions at the tomb terraces and the most photogenic light on the Aynalı Mağara facade.
Accessibility
The riverside Yalıboyu promenade is largely flat and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The Kral Kaya Mezarları tomb terraces involve steep stone steps and are not accessible to wheelchair users. The Aynalı Mağara approach requires a short rocky ascent that is not wheelchair-accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a circular route connecting the tombs and the cave?
No direct circular route exists. The walk is point-to-point; a taxi, minibus or the longer riverside return path are the practical options from Aynalı Mağara back to the city centre.
How much does it cost to enter the rock tombs?
An entry ticket of approximately 90–120 TL is required for the Kral Kaya Mezarları tomb terraces, payable at the site entrance in Hatuniye Mahallesi. The Aynalı Mağara is viewable from outside at no charge.
What is the Aynalı Mağara and why is it significant?
The Aynalı Mağara is a Hellenistic-era rock-cut tomb chamber whose interior walls were polished to a mirror finish, an unusual construction technique. It sits on the northern cliff face above a tributary valley of the Yeşilırmak and is one of Amasya's lesser-visited ancient monuments.
Can children complete this walk?
The walk is suitable for children comfortable on stone steps and uneven terrain. The tomb terrace steps are steep and require adult supervision for younger children; the Aynalı Mağara approach also involves a short rocky ascent.
Are there refreshment stops along the route?
Tea gardens and small cafés operate along the Yalıboyu riverside section of the route, particularly near the main bridge in central Amasya. No refreshments are available at the Aynalı Mağara.