Let’s discover Safranbolu, the Turkish city of red gold: what to do and see once you arrive there.
Safranbolu it is one of the places in Turkey to visit, at least once in a lifetime, as it is characterized by Ottoman style houses, but not only that: this place, in fact, is defined as the city of red gold, a definition attributed to the saffron which is cultivated in Zone. Such a city, moreover, is UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Let’s discover together what to do and see on site.
Safranbolu, the city of red gold
Walking the streets of Safranbolu, you will feel catapulted into another dimension, surrounded by 18th century Ottoman houses. The Cinci Hantransformed into a hotel, was once an emporium for Silk Road merchants, who found refreshment in the nearby Cinci Hamamı sauna.
City of Safranbolu in Türkiye (wineandfoodtour.it)
The city owes its name to saffron, one of the most prized and expensive spices in the world, still grown on site by around 30 farmers. The specific variety is the Safranbolu Safranıwhich – recently – also obtained the geographical indication protected by the EU.
The ancient houses that can be visited are there Kaymakamlar Muze Eviin which we find the reproduction of scenes of everyday life, but also the Mumtazlar Konagiancient home of the monastic doctrinal scholar and the Kileciler Evibuilt in 1884.
Hidirlik Tepesi, Carsi and Cinci Hamam
Located in the south-east of the old city of Safranbolu, there is Hidirlik Tepesi, a tourist place from which you can admire and appreciate the style of Crocus City. There is – also – a cemetery of Hassan-Pasha on the top of the mountain.
Carsi neighborhood (wineandfoodtour.it)
The district Carsi it is a very fascinating area of the city, as there are many ancient Ottoman houses with red roofs and white walls. In every little street, there are craft and candy stalls.
Next to the central square where the Carsithe most spectacular building in the city, which is still a good place to bathe in the Saffron City today: there are separate bathrooms for both men and women.
Other places to visit in Safranbolu
We also recommend you visit theİzzet Paşa Camibuilding built in 1796 in Piazza Carsi, but also the stone houses Eski Hukumet Konagibuilt in 1904 by the governor of Kastamonu Ainis Pasha.
Finally, there is the GuleviSafranbolu located in three 220-year-old Ottoman palaces in the historic center of Safranbolu, which have been restored by a famous architect. This building is a fusion of ancient and modern elements. All rooms have decorated wooden carved ceilings, wardrobes and natural wooden floors with Turkmen carpets.
Each room has a fireplace and shuttered windows, and the bathroom design is modern. Gulevi’s shaded garden terrace is furnished with modern sofas. On site, you can take a walk in the garden or relax reading a book in the hotel’s reading room.
The nature of the place is also noteworthy, especially the Valla Canyon in the Kastamonu district, 100 km from Safranbolu.
