Places to Visit in Kayseri and Kayseri Travel Guide

What comes to mind when you think of Kayseri? Manti? Skiing in Erciyes? Bacon? Mimar Sinan? Kayseri is a city that has preserved its feature of being one of the most important cities of its region for centuries with its historical, natural, historical and cultural richness and food dating back to 6000 years. If you don't think of places to visit when you say Kayseri, this article will change your mind. Places to visit in Kayseri, what to eat in Kayseri, where is Kayseri, how to get there, history of Kayseri and more Kayseri travel guide This article is waiting for you, have a pleasant reading!

Things to Know About Kayseri

Let me start my Kayseri travel guide by giving information about the history of Kayseri. Kayseri has a history of 6000 years. The first settlement in the city, in the Kultepe region, belongs to the Hattis, the ancestors of the Hittites, one of the first civilizations in Anatolia. The oldest known name of Kayseri is Mazaka. Mazaka became the capital of the Kingdom of Cappadocia. In 17 AD, the city passed under the rule of the Roman Empire and took the name Kaisareia (Kaiser).

Due to its location on the trade routes, Kayseri was constantly flooded, even under the rule of the Mongols for a while. After the Manzikert Victory, it fell into the hands of the Turks. Kayseri, which first came under the rule of the Danishments and then the Seljuks, became the second capital city after Konya during the Seljuk period, so you can see many Seljuk works in the city. The city, which changed hands frequently, joined the lands of the Ottoman Empire in 1515 when Yavuz Sultan Selim returned from his Iran campaign.

Kayseri is one of our cities that was not occupied during the National Struggle. For this reason, it was thought that the first assembly would be established here, but later it was decided to be established in Ankara. A large number of investments were made in Kayseri, which was announced with the establishment of the Republic. In 1926, the first aircraft factory of our country was opened in Kayseri, unfortunately it is not producing at the moment. Industrialization steps have been taken in Kayseri since the 1950s, and the Sümer Cloth Factory was established in 1953. Large and small industrial facilities are established in this region, and the number of facilities producing furniture, yarn-weaving and machinery is increasing rapidly.

The Armenians living in Kayseri (it is estimated that around 30.000 Armenians lived in the city before the population exchange) became a pioneer in the production of pastrami and sausage and made the city famous in this regard. We learned that the owners of the Karamanlidika restaurant, which specializes in delicatessen, where we went to dinner one evening in Athens, had immigrated to Greece from Kayseri. After all, they also had one foot in Karamanoğulları, the name of the shop came from there, and when I was from Karamanoğulları, we almost became relatives.

Places to Visit in Kayseri City Center – Kayseri Culture Road

Kayseri city center is organized and neat in a way we are not accustomed to seeing in Anatolia. With its wide streets, Seljuk artifacts in the city center, lively social life, pastry shops as big as a supermarket, and pastrami shops lined up side by side, Kayseri center appeals to both your mind and your stomach. Another thing that caught my attention when I went to Kayseri for the first time was that there were so many private hospitals that stood out. After thinking about it, I thought to myself that there is nothing more normal than having health problems in a city where so much pastry and red meat is consumed.

One of the things I love about Kayseri is a Cultural Road, which we are used to seeing in European cities, routes with different colors and content have been determined, you can visit the route that interests you by following the colors. Kayseri Culture RoadFor the detailed guide prepared by Kayseri Municipality, here Click.

I will not go into all the details of the Cultural Path. I will try to convey the places that I recommend you to see in the city center of Kayseri.

1. Gevher Nesibe Madrasa, Tomb, Hospital and Seljuk Civilization Museum

One of the must-see places in Kayseri city center Gevher Nesibe Hospital is located. The building serves as the Seljuk Civilization Museum. This is a madrasah, including the Tomb of Gevher Nesibe, built as a medical school and a hospital by the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan and Gevher Nesibe's brother, I. Gıyasettin Keyhüsrev, upon the will of his sister. Anatolia's first medical school This is a place of great historical importance. The portal at the entrance of the madrasah is one of the beautiful examples of Seljuk architecture. However, the entrance was given from the place where the entrance door of the other madrasah was in the place of this magnificent crown door. There are two separate madrasas for the medical school and the hospital, for this reason it was also called the Double Madrasa.

Most of Buket Uzuner's Air book in the series The Adventures of Incompatible Defne Kaman takes place in Kayseri and the Cappadocia region. Uzuner talks about Gevher Nesibe in detail in her book Hava, and I recommend you to read the book if it interests you.

The Seljuk Civilization Museum is open to visitors between 09:00-19:00 in the summer season and 09:00-17:00 in the winter season, except Mondays.

Just behind the madrasah is the Avgunlu Madrasa and its tomb.

2. Kurşunlu Mosque and Fountain

Kurşunlu Mosque has a special place because it is the only work of Mimar Sinan, who is a native of Kayseri, out of 12 works that has survived to the present day. Although the original name of the mosque was Hacı Ahmet Pasha Mosque, it started to be called "Kurşunlu Mosque" because its central dome was covered with lead, and its name remained that way over time.

3. Sahabiye Madrasa

The Sahabiye Madrasa, which is another of the works of the Seljuk Period, immediately draws attention with its crown gate and the fountain, which is the oldest fountain in Kayseri, below the road level due to the rise of the road. Currently, the madrasah serves as a place where you can drink tea/coffee with the municipality's business and souvenir shops.

4. Clock Tower

The clock tower, located in the heart of the Republic Square, the very center of Kayseri, was built during the reign of Abdulmahit II. During the War of Independence, the clock room under the tower was Anatolian and Rumelian Müdafaa-i
It served as the Kayseri Branch of the Law Society. There was an exit to the tower with a ladder. The tower, which was open because souvenirs were sold in my previous visits to Kayseri, was closed in my last visit. So you don't have any expectation that we will get into it, you can look from the outside and say "oh how beautiful" the tower and continue on your way.

5. Kayseri Castle and Archeology Museum

The outer castle walls of the Kayseri Castle, which was built during the Roman period and the inner castle walls during the Eastern Roman Empire, have survived to the present day. Kayseri Archeology Museum was built inside the Inner Castle. The museum, which you can enter with the Müzekart, exhibits the finds of the civilizations that hosted Kayseri throughout history. It is not a very rich museum, with a beautiful design and entrance from the Inner Castle.

6. Hunat Hatun Complex

Hunat Hatun Complex is one of the beautiful examples of Seljuk architecture. Again, a beautiful crown door welcomes its visitors in at the entrance. Kulliye, wife of Alaeddin Keykubat and II. It was built in 1238 by Mahperi Hatun (Hunad), the mother of Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev, and was named after her. The complex, which consists of a mosque, madrasah, cupola and bath, is open to visitors and worship. Today, it is used as a handicraft center and social area.

7. Ataturk House

Mustafa Kemal came to Kayseri after leaving Samsun in 1919 and crossing to Anatolia. Imamzade Reşit Ağa Mansion, which is a good example of old Kayseri houses, is now arranged as Atatürk House. It can be visited for free. 

8. Alaca Vault

First of all, let me explain what the cupola is, then let's talk about Alacak Kümbet. VaultsThe name given to the conical shaped monumental tombs built during the Anatolian Seljuk State. Generally, the mausoleums built for great statesmen or clergy are called cupolas.

Emir Sadreddin Ömer bin Celaleddin is the most well-known cupola in Kayseri city center.
It was built for Mohammed. The body of the cupola is half square and the upper part is made in the form of a conical roof.

9. Church of the Virgin Mary

The exact time of the construction of the Virgin Mary Church is unknown. The church, which is in good condition, was restored and started to serve as a culture and art center and library.

10. Kayseri High School and National Struggle Museum

Kayseri High School, which was built in 1903, was transformed into a "sultani" in 1915. If you ask what a sultani is, French schools are schools that are modeled on and can provide education above the high school. Later, sultanis high schools were built. During the National Struggle, in the 1920-1921 academic year, all senior students were martyred in the Sakarya War, and the school, which could not graduate that year, was turned into a high school in 1923.

In the museum, many animations have been made about the education of the school from the time it served as Kayseri High School, and what happened in Kayseri during the National Struggle.

The museum has the status of a private museum and is open every day of the week. If you go to Kayseri, it is definitely one of the places you should visit.

11. Kayseri District

Located on 88 acres of land, Kayseri Neighborhood was designed to reflect the culture of Kayseri. It is a region where the traditional traditions of Kayseri are kept alive with its old Kayseri houses, bakery, barber. Frankly, neither houses nor shops were open when I went, so I'm not sure how long he lived, maybe it's become a more lively place now.

12. Kayseri Grand Bazaar

Kayseri Grand Bazaar is famous for being the second largest bazaar after the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, built during the Ottoman Period. The bazaar, which is located in the most central part of the city, is a bazaar that has lost its authenticity with its different doors and names according to the products sold, and is a living bazaar today. I think it's clear what I mean from the photo above.

The name of the section between the Grand Bazaar and the Inner Castle, where there are many sausages and pastrami, is the Women's Bazaar. The main reason why it is called Women's Bazaar here; During the National Struggle, the women of Kayseri sold their own products and sent what they earned to support the struggle. Again, a story that fills the eyes… One cannot help saying that this country was not established easily.

13. Sawdust

Talas Mahallesi is one of the most touristic spots in Kayseri city center with its stone houses, cobblestone streets, souvenir shops, mosque and church. Located at the foot of Mount Erciyes, the neighborhood is divided into two as lower and upper Talas. Upper Talas region was the part where Greeks and Armenians lived. You can see the church in Upper Talas in the photo above.

In addition to this list, there are many tombs, cupolas, mosques, and madrasas in the center of Kayseri. I tried to include the most important places to visit in Kayseri city center without counting all of them one by one.

There are also vineyard houses 5km from the center of Kayseri. People living in the city move to vineyard houses during the summer period. If you find an acquaintance, you can also enjoy the vineyard house.  

Other Places to Visit in Kayseri

Apart from Kayseri city center, there are many places to visit around Kayseri. I am sharing the list below of those that I have not personally visited and experienced.

• Kultepe
• Sultan Marshes National Park
• Kapuzbasi Waterfall
• Koramaz Valley
• Agirnas District
  • Mimar Sinan House
  • Agirnas Underground City
• Tekir Plateau
• Mount Ali Recreation Area
• Gulistan Underground City
• Yamula Dam
• Gesi Houses and Gesi Vineyards
• Develi District
  • Gereme Ruins
  • Ayşepınar Neighborhood Roman Tombs
  • Hittite Rock Monument in Bakırdagi District
  • Çomaklı Underground Caves
  • Develi Castle
  • Develi High School
  • Frantin Hittite Rock Monument
  • Gazi District Underground City
• If you are going to Kayseri during the winter months, of course, it is impossible not to go to the Erciyes Mountain Ski Center. Daily Erciyes Ski Center Check out my post too.

You can combine your Kayseri trip with a Cappadocia trip, List of places to visit in Cappadocia Check out my post too.

Map of Places to Visit in Kayseri

Below is the map of places to visit in the center of Kayseri, along with the Culture Road route.

Kayseri and Erciyes Travel Video

Check out the video of our last trip to Kayseri, where we skied in Erciyes Ski Center for a day and we spent a day visiting the center of Kayseri.

What to Eat and Where to Eat in Kayseri?

Let's come to the most delicious and enjoyable topic: What to eat in Kayseri, where to eat? I can summarize it as a lot of pastry and meat dishes in Kayseri. Rich, oily, delicious, delicious food.

Let me list the dishes that you should not return without eating in Kayseri; ravioli, ravioli on a tray, oiling, wrapping, sausage and sausage stuffing, pastrami, stuffed leaves with meat, first kete all kinds of pastries, including the famous in Konya, Gombo It is also very beautiful and delicious in Kayseri, Camel's slime (a kind of meat pita). My mouth is watering even as I write it. Add to this list poch kebab It can be added, but unfortunately I haven't tried it, I hope at the first opportunity.

Don't take it lightly when you say pastry, because you will see huge pastry markets while you are walking around Kayseri. Think of a place where you can pick up your basket and fill it, like a giant supermarket. I haven't seen it anywhere other than Kayseri.

Also, what was very interesting to me was that there were many fish shops in Kayseri. Huge fishermen cook them right there, or you can buy them fresh and cook them yourself. I don't know the secret either, if anyone knows, I would be happy if they add it to the comments.

If you ask where we will eat these meals;

1. Elmacioglu: Although it looks very touristic, it got full points from us in terms of price, food taste, service and finding all kinds of local dishes.
2. Sultan's Table: Although not as much as Elmacıoğlu, it is not bad at all in terms of taste.
3. with a spoon: It has become a chain that started out of Kayseri and spread throughout Turkey. It is famous for its ravioli and has more than one branch in Kaysri. I prefer the first two more.

I'm sure there are many more places that can be added to the list, I prefer to write down the ones that I have tried and liked.

Where is Kayseri?

Kayseri is located in the Central Anatolia Region. The city center, located on the slopes of Erciyes Mountain, is located in the north of the province. Kayseri; It is surrounded by the provinces of Yozgat, Sivas, Kahramanmaraş, Adana, Niğde and Nevşehir. Located on the historical Silk Road and once the capital of the Cappadocia region, the city is today the third largest city in the Central Anatolia Region after Ankara and Konya. You can see the distance of Kayseri to some cities below.

• The distance between Kayseri and Istanbul is approximately 800 km,
• The distance between Kayseri and Ankara is approximately 350 km,
• The distance between Kayseri and Konya is approximately 300 km,
• The distance between Kayseri and Nevşehir is approximately 80 km,
• The distance between Kayseri and Adana is approximately 320 km,
• The distance between Kayseri and Kahramanmaraş is approximately 250 km.

How to go to Kayseri? Transportation to Kayseri

Since Kayseri is in an economically strong position in its region, different airline companies have flights from big cities and many bus companies have flights. Kayseri is also one of the stops of the Van Lake Express, so it is possible to reach it by train.

Lake Van Express My post will also be of interest to you.

Best Time to Go to Kayseri

The best time to go to Kayseri will depend on what you want to do.

1. Best time to ski: I've been to Kayseri many times, except for once, I went for skiing in all of them, and I spent a day exploring the city. Since February is the best time in terms of snow level, my winter trips were in February. Depending on the weather, you can also postpone your Kayseri trip to March.
2. For nature trips best time: If you want to see the sights around Kayseri and spend time in nature in places such as Karpuzbaşı Waterfalls, especially the transition months from spring to summer will be the ideal timing.
3. For a trip to Cappadocia best time: If you are planning to combine your Kayseri trip with a Cappadocia trip, I recommend you not to stay in the very hot months, it is not very fun to walk among the fairy chimneys under the hot sun in the summer months.

In summary, February for skiing and spring for nature and culture trips are the best time alternatives to go to Kayseri.

Where to Stay in Kayseri? Kayseri Hotels and Accommodation in Kayseri

When I went to Kayseri on different trips, I stayed in different hotels. If you are planning to stay in Kayseri city center, you can find many of the well-known chain hotels.

• On my last visit Ibis HotelI stayed in, it was a 15-20 minute walk from the city center. I was very satisfied with the Ibis quality and economical prices.
• On my previous visit, it was located on Sivas Boulevard. RadissonBlue I stayed at the hotel. The location was very good as it was right in the city center, walking distance to everywhere. In terms of price, it is well above the Ibis.
• In one of my previous visits, we stayed at a hotel in the city center that is not a chain and has a high Booking.com score. Unfortunately I couldn't remember the name, but the location and price were very good. The only problem was the golden decorations, which we can call Kayseri work.
• Apart from these options, if you are going to Kayseri for skiing, you can choose the hotels in Erciyes Ski Center. I have never stayed in that area, the prices are higher than the hotels in the city center. If you want to stay in the city center and go to Erciyes for skiing, you can arrange a shuttle service individually by the hotels or by yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kayseri

When we look at the most frequently asked questions by those who plan to go to Kayseri, the following questions are at the top of the list. I wanted to write their answers like pills, I hope it will be useful for you.

Stay healthy.