Şifaiye Medresesi
Seljuk sultan's 1217 CE medical school and hospital — one of Anatolia's earliest dedicated healthcare institutions, now an open courtyard with ornate stonework.
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About Sivas
Sivas sits at the crossroads of ancient Anatolian trade routes, 1,285 metres above sea level, where Seljuk sultans constructed a constellation of theological colleges, hospitals, and mosques that survive largely intact. The Şifaiye Medresesi (1217 CE), built by Seljuk Sultan Izzeddin Keykavus as a medical school, stands as one of the earliest dedicated hospitals in Anatolia. The 13th-century Buruciye, Çifte Minareli, and Gök madrasas form a remarkable open-air museum of Seljuk stone-carving craftsmanship, all within walking distance in the city centre. Sivas gained national fame as the site of the 1919 Sivas Congress, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk consolidated the resistance movement that would become the Turkish Republic; the Congress building is now a museum. The Kangal district hosts naturally heated thermal pools where Garra rufa fish provide the famous fish-therapy treatment. Sivas cuisine — led by Sivas köftesi and tarhana soup — reflects Central Anatolian culinary traditions and is best experienced in the traditional lokantas surrounding the covered bazaar.
- Capital
- Sivas
- Largest city
- Sivas
- Population
- ~690,000 (city proper); ~1.08 million (province)
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish Lira
- Time zone
- TRT (UTC+3)
Explore Sivas by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Sivas
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Çifte Minareli Medrese
Twin-minaret seminary (1271 CE) with an imposing portal of interlaced Seljuk stone carving — Sivas's most photographed landmark.
Gök Medrese
Blue Seminary (1271 CE), built by Sahip Ata Fahreddin Ali — a masterpiece of Seljuk decorative stonework with a richly carved entrance portal.
Sivas Congress Museum
The 1919 congress hall where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk consolidated the national resistance movement — a foundational site in the birth of the Turkish Republic.
Buruciye Medresesi
13th-century Ilkhanid-era seminary now operating as a regional ethnography and science museum, with a beautifully carved marble portal.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Sivas Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Sivas, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Sivas
- Days 1-2Sivas city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Sivas
- Days 1-3Sivas comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Sivas, departure
Where to stay in Sivas
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 700–1,100 TRY (~$21–$33 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 1,500–2,500 TRY (~$45–$75 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 3,500–6,000 TRY (~$105–$180 USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Sivas Dedeman Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comSultanhan Hotel Sivas
Check rates on Booking.comKangal Balıklı Kaplıca Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comSivas Köşk Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Sivas
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Eski Sivas Sofrası
Sivas Köfte Evi
Sıcak Tarhana Çorbacısı
Tandır Ocağı Sivas
Merkez Pastanesi
Taş Han Kahvesi
Getting around Sivas
Sivas is connected by high-speed rail (YHT) to Ankara and Erzincan, regular buses to major Turkish cities, and Nuri Demirag Airport (VAS) with domestic flights. Within the city, municipal buses and dolmuş (shared minibuses) serve all main areas for 15–25 TRY (~$0.45–$0.75 USD). Taxis are widely available and metered.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 350–650 TRY (~$10.50–$19.50 USD) — guesthouse or budget hotel | 900–1,500 TRY (~$27–$45 USD) — 3-star hotel | 2,000–4,000 TRY (~$60–$120 USD) — best 4-star hotel |
| Food (per day) | 150–300 TRY (~$4.50–$9 USD) — lokantas and street food | 350–600 TRY (~$10.50–$18 USD) — mid-range restaurants | 800–1,200 TRY (~$24–$36 USD) — best restaurants with wine |
| Transportation | 50–150 TRY (~$1.50–$4.50 USD) — city bus and dolmuş | 150–300 TRY (~$4.50–$9 USD) — taxi supplements | 400–700 TRY (~$12–$21 USD) — private taxis |
| Activities | 50–100 TRY (~$1.50–$3 USD) — most sites free or minimal entry | 150–250 TRY (~$4.50–$7.50 USD) | 300–600 TRY (~$9–$18 USD) — guided tours and thermal packages |
| Daily total | 700–1,100 TRY (~$21–$33 USD) | 1,500–2,500 TRY (~$45–$75 USD) | 3,500–6,000 TRY (~$105–$180 USD) |
Best time to visit Sivas
Sivas sits at 1,285 m elevation and has a continental climate — hot summers with temperatures reaching 35°C and cold winters with heavy snowfall. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures (15–22°C), clear skies, and far fewer visitors than the coastal resorts.
Essential travel tips
- Most historic madrasas in the city centre are free and within 10 minutes' walk of each other
- The city's covered bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) is closed on Sundays; plan market visits for weekday mornings
- High-speed YHT train from Ankara takes ~3.5 hours; far more comfortable than the bus for long-distance travel
- Kangal thermal spas (95 km away) are best visited with an overnight stay — a day-trip is tiring
- A Müze Kart (Museum Card, 800 TRY/~$24 USD) covers entry to all national museum sites in Turkey for 15 days
- Local sim cards (Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom) available at the airport and city centre shops; tourist SIMs include data from ~150 TRY (~$4.50 USD)
Safety information
Carry small-denomination TRY bills — many local restaurants and bazaar stalls don't accept cards
Use only official yellow taxis with meters or pre-agree a price; app-based ride services are limited
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites (shoulders and knees covered; headscarves for women inside mosques)
Tap water is treated but locals prefer bottled; bottled water costs 5–10 TRY (~$0.15–$0.30 USD)
Emergency services: dial 112 (medical/fire), 155 (police)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Sivas?
The best time to visit Sivas is May–June and September–October.
Do I need a visa to visit Sivas?
Most Western nationalities (USA, UK, EU, Canada) can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Australian citizens and some others require an e-Visa (approximately $60 USD), obtained online at evisa.gov.tr before travel — walk-up visa-on-arrival no longer exists. Always verify current entry requirements for your specific passport at evisa.gov.tr or the nearest Turkish consulate, as rules change. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Sivas?
The currency in Sivas is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Sivas?
The main language(s) spoken in Sivas: Turkish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Sivas?
The top attractions in Sivas include Şifaiye Medresesi, Çifte Minareli Medrese, Gök Medrese, Sivas Congress Museum, and Buruciye Medresesi. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.