Safranbolu in-depth tour guide: a time capsule of the Ottoman Empire

Millennium Texture of World Heritage

Safranbolu is located in central Anatolia, Turkey, and was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. This small town built on the hill has completely preserved the old mosque built in 1322, the early Ottoman buildings such as the Cesme Turkish Bath, and there are more than 2,000 wooden houses. The red tiles, white walls and steep stone roads form a unique three-dimensional landscape. In the morning, climbing the Hidellik Hill, you can see the layers of red-roofed buildings in the morning mist and the smoke from cooking in the distance, as if traveling back to the silk trade era in the 17th century.

Three must-experience scenes

1. Architectural tour: Strolling through the Carsi district, the wooden carved window lattices of the Ottoman Army Lieutenant Colonel's Mansion and the dome murals of the Sinsi Public Bath are amazing. The caravan station has been converted into a hotel, and the century-old walnut tree in the courtyard bears witness to the history of business travel.

2. Market roaming: The market every Saturday brings together saffron, handmade copperware and rose fudge. It is recommended to taste the clay pot grilled meat at the Orbac Safran Lezzet Sofrasi restaurant. The moment the waiter knocks open the clay pot, the aroma of meat and the smoke of fruit wood will hit your nose.

3. Cultural immersion: The restored 19th-century shop scene in the city museum, with audio guide, can give you a deeper understanding of traditional skills such as iron forging. If it is autumn, you can participate in the saffron picking festival 22 kilometers east of the city and experience the traditional drying process.

Transportation and accommodation guide

• Transportation: Take the Metro Turizm bus from Istanbul Esenler Bus Station for about 6 hours, and the ticket price is about 180 liras; drive along the D100 highway, the road conditions are good, but you need to pay attention to the mountain bends.

• Accommodation: Cesmeli Konak Garden B&B in Carsi Street is recommended. The Ottoman-style courtyard is equipped with fig trees and grape trellises. The off-season room rate is about 268 liras/night, including traditional breakfast.

Local life tips

• Shops are closed at noon due to the worship period, so it is recommended to purchase handicrafts in the morning.

• When tasting Turkish coffee, you can request a coffee grounds fortune-telling service.

• The gravel road is slippery during the rainy season, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes.

#7月好去处2025