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While it’s a great place just to wander and take in the incredible scenery and gorgeous Ottoman homes, the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town of Safranbolu has a few other sights to keep a visitor busy during their stay.
Main Square
Starting with the small main square, you’ll find the Cinci Hamam (Cinci Hamamı), a Turkish bath built around 1640. Next to it is a small mosque, the Kazdağlı Mosque (Kazdağlı Camii), built in 1779. On this square you’ll also find taxis and buses to the new town.
Kazdağlıoğlu Square
On the other side of the mosque is the Kazdağlıoğlu Square (Kazdağlıoğlu Meydanı), which contains a fountain in the center. This is near the entrance to the old bazaar.
Cinci Han
In the center of town is the Cinci Han (Cinci Hanı), a 17th century caravanserai that dominates the old town. The interior of the building is an open space used for dining and the rest has been converted into a hotel. For a virtual tour, click here.
In a corridor on the lower floor, some rooms are used as a small ethnographic museum to show Ottoman life in Safranbolu. This display isn’t as well-done as others in town, but it’s a bit comical which makes it worth a look.
Visitors to the Cinci Han may have the opportunity to visit a spectacular suite and climb up to the rooftop for some unique views of the town.
Get Lost!
As I mentioned in the beginning, the best advice I can give you is to just wander through the streets and cobblestoned alleys, some filled with sweet shops and coffeehouses. Going away from the busy squares full of tourists into the quiet residential areas will allow you to discover all kinds of interesting homes. When walking through Safranbolu, you’ll never know what you can find around the next corner. For a virtual tour of the town, click here.
