Kayseri Tourism (2024) - Turkey > Top Places, Travel Guide

Kayseri Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 - 2 Days

Best Time: May to September Read More

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"Hinterland for Skiers"

Kayseri Tourism

Central Anatolia's Kayseri, formerly Caesarea in Roman times, is located over the mountains to the west of Cappadocia. It was formerly known as Mazaka and was situated on the foothills of Mount Argaeus, the volcano now known as Erciyes. As a result, Kayseri serves as a bridge between central and southeastern Turkey and enjoys a rich blend of cultures. After Konya, Kayseri is the most Islamic city in Turkey and one of the industrial powerhouses known as the "Anatolian tigers," blending Seljuk tombs, mosques, and modern construction.

Kayseri is a hinterland for winter sports lovers, owing to its proximity to Mount Erciyes, a renowned site for skiing. In addition, the Karpuzbasi waterfalls are situated 76 kms from Kayseri and are visited frequently. These waterfalls are an outcome of the coming together of seven distinct streams, between 30 to 70 metres each.

Kayseri is an excellent vacation spot for people who adore history due to the numerous museums present in town. Moreover, the Kayseri castle, a prominent tourist spot, can be dated back to 240 AD. However, due to several invasions, all that is left to see of the castle is the 15th-century citadel. Ulu Camii is an ancient mosque from the 13th century situated 200 m from the main bazaar. In addition, a well-preserved mosque, tomb, medrese, and hamam from the 13th century are located in the Hunat Hatun Complex to the east of the castle.

1. Visit Seljuk Civilization Museum

The Museum of Seljuk Civilization in Kayseri is housed within Cifte Madrasah, a restored 13th-century hospital and medical research facility. Museum's first part is dedicated to the art, arc (Read More)hitecture, culture, and everyday life of Seljuks. The second part is dedicated to the medical history of the building with exhibits on medieval equipment, health records, history of the invention of cures and treatment of different diseases, and more. There is a room specially designed for children with toys and cartoons to teach them about the museum and Seljukian civilization.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (October-May), 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM (June-September)
Closed on Mondays and the first days of religious holidays.
Entrance Fees: TL 4 per person

2. Go Skiing At Erciyes Ski Resort

Erciyes Ski Resort is a famous ski resort near Kayseri, perched atop Mount Erciyes. It is the highest mountain range in Central Anatolia, at a height of 2,100 metres or 6,900 feet. The resort pro (Read More)vides around 150 km of skiing trails with approximately 1000 metres of elevation change along the sparkling white slopes of Erciyes. It has over 41 tracks with varying difficulty levels and 19 mechanical lifts of international standards.
Timings: Everyday - 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM from early December to late April

3. Kayseri Castle and Archaeological Museum

The Kayseri Castle houses the Kayseri Archaeological Museum with 14 exhibition halls displaying exhibits dating from the Chalcolithic Age to the late Ottoman Era. A highlight of the collection is (Read More) the exhibit of Assyrian or Hittite clay tablets from the Kultepe ruins. These were believed to be the earliest written materials in Turkey. There are also pitchers, pots, vases, bowls, stamps, reliefs, and objects of clay, metal, and other materials unearthed from the excavation. Another important exhibit is a sarcophagus illustrating Heracles’ labors. Kayseri Castle was originally erected by Roman Emperor Gordian III between 238 and 244 A.D and rebuilt by Byzantine Emperor Justinian.
Timings: Summer: Monday to Friday: 08:30 AM to 07:00 PM
Winter: Monday to Friday: 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM
Entrance Fees: Adults (Turkish and International): TL 12.50
Free entry for Turkish citizens aged 65 and over and under 18, non-Turkish citizens aged under 8, and students of history or archaeology.

4. Mahperi Hunat Hatun Complex

Mahperi Hunat Hatun Complex, standing across from Kayseri Castle, is the first-ever multi-use establishment built by the Seljuks of Rum in Kayseri, Turkey. It consists of a hammam, a madrasa, a m (Read More)ausoleum, and a mosque - all built using finely cut stones. The bath is still in function, has separate facilities for men and women, and is considered the oldest building on the site. The entire complex has intricate carvings on its facade, multiple chambers used during the Seljuk period, and a serene courtyard in the center.

5. Explore Kultepe Ruins

The archaeological site of Kültepe is one of the most historically significant attractions in Turkey. Inhabited from the beginning of 2000-3000 BC, this Assyrian settlement at the foot of Mount E (Read More)rciyes served as a trading hub for several empires. The highlight of the ruins is the upper mound dating back to the Early Bronze Age to the end of the Roman Period. This tel served as the merchant colony and is named Kanesh after the kingdom that once ruled over the place. After that, one must explore the surrounding lower town called Karum, literally translating to a port or quay. This part was used for the residence of merchants and soldiers and also to stock inventory.

6. See The Rotating Doner Dome

The Doner Dome or Doner Kumbet, located southeast of the Kayseri Castle, is a tomb that supposedly rotates every few years. Erected in 1276 for a Seljuk princess Shah Jihan Khatun, this mausoleum is a (Read More)mong the best-preserved tombs of that era. The cylindrical cupola is made of yellowish cut stone with carvings and rests on a rectangular black base - typical of most mausoleums of the Seljuk period. The only entrance to the tomb and prayer room is on the northern side, approached via a twin staircase of five steps.

Must Know Before You Travel to Kayseri

Budget stays are available around the railway station at Kocasinan Blv.
Tourists can look north of the castle for luxury resorts and hotels.
Tramps and buses operated by the municipality are the most reliable mode of transportation. The timetables for the same can be looked up on their website. Tickets should be bought beforehand from kiosks. A smart travel card named Kart38 can help you travel for much cheaper than buying regular tickets every day.
Trainway routes spread throughout Kayseri connect to most places. It is far easier to understand than the bus system. If there is no train station nearby, you can use the bus services to reach the nearest station.
Kayseri doesn’t enjoy vibrant nightlife. Most shops close by 10:00 PM. However, some cafes and restaurants are open till late.
Cappadocia is an hour’s drive from Kayseri. One can take buses, taxis and cabs to Kayseri.

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History of Kayseri

Caesar Augustus, also known as "Kayseri," was previously named Mazaka. It was situated on a the foothills of Mount Argaeus, the volcano today known as Erciyes. The city was located at the crossroads of the east-west and north-south trade routes, and several armies also frequented this region. The castle and various mosque-medrese complexes are among the prominent ruins left by the Seljuks, who ruled it from 1178 to 1243. These are, to date, the main tourist attractions of Kayseri because the later Ottomans kept them in high condition.

Suggested Itinerary for Kayseri

Day 1: Start your day at the Kayseri Castle, an ancient marvel in the city of Kayseri. Head south towards the Ulu Camii, an ancient mosque from the 13th century. Stop for brunch after visiting these sites and head east for the Hunat Hatun Complex. The best part about your trip to Kayseri is that every tourist spot is within walking distance from the main castle, like any historical city. Additionally, you can visit the Tomb of Zeynel Abidin, a 15th-century grave. Other prominent locations of the area are the St. Gregory The Illuminator Church and Virgin Mary Church, located close to each other.

Day 2: If you love exploring museums, Kayseri is the place for you. All museums are located close to each other. Hence, you can visit them in the following order based on your preference, Ethnographic Museum, Atatürk House Museum and National Struggle Museum. Right after this, you can head for lunch. Next on your list should be Seyid Burhanetdin Mezarligi, which is essentially a large cemetery with several tombs and monuments, including the Doner Tower. You can then visit the Seljuk civilisation museum and end your day by watching the sunset at Cifte Medrese.