Things to Do in Amasya 2026: Pontic Tombs, Ottoman Houses and the Yeşilırmak

Amasya’s attractions are concentrated in the valley and cliff-face above the Yeşilırmak — a compact zone walkable from any riverfront accommodation. The core visit (Pontic tombs, Ottoman houses, Bimarhane, Amasya Museum) fills a full day; a second day extends to the valley villages, the orchard walks, and the castle ridge.

The Pontic rock tombs

Access: Path from the north bank riverfront; 30–40 minutes walking. Entry: ₺80. Hours: 08:00–19:00 daily. Duration: 1–2 hours including the approach walk.

The rock-cut burial chambers of the Pontic kings — cut directly into the cliff face above the Yeşilırmak — are the most dramatic monuments in Amasya. Five main tomb chambers are visible from the river; three are accessible at close range from the path.

The tombs in detail: The burial chambers were cut for the Pontic kings who ruled the region from approximately 302 BCE until the Roman conquest in 64 BCE. The chambers are rectangular, with carved facades — the decoration is relatively restrained compared to the elaborate Lycian tomb tradition of southwestern Turkey, but the setting (directly above the river and city, with the cliff face extending above) gives them a monumental presence.

The kings interred: The tombs are associated with the Pontic royal line — Pharnaces I, Mithridates IV, and their predecessors. Mithridates VI Eupator (the great Pontic king who fought Rome through the First Mithridatic War, 88–63 BCE) was not buried here — his capital moved to Sinope; he died in Crimea. But the earlier Pontic royal dynasty is represented.

The view from the tombs: The path to the tombs provides the best elevated view over Amasya — the Ottoman houses below, the Yeşilırmak winding through the valley, the ridge of the opposite valley side. The view at dusk (when the soft light falls on the Ottoman roofline and the river surface catches colour) is one of the finest urban panoramas in northern Anatolia.

The light show: In summer, an evening light-and-sound show illuminates the tomb facades from the south bank. Worth seeing once.

The Ottoman riverfront walk

The north bank riverfront — the row of Ottoman timber-frame houses directly below the cliff and tombs — is the most photographed street in Amasya and one of the most distinctive in Turkey. The combination of overhanging upper floors (cumba), wooden balconies over the water, and the cliff-and-tomb backdrop creates a visual density unavailable elsewhere.

Walking: The riverfront walk from the Hatuniye Bridge west to the curve in the river takes 20–30 minutes at observation pace. The south bank walk (looking north toward the houses and cliff) provides the views that appear in every photograph of Amasya.

The best light: Late afternoon (16:00–18:30) for the warm light on the Ottoman facades; dawn (06:00–07:30) for the mist on the river and the empty riverfront.

Photography: The classic composition — long lens from the south bank, horizontal framing of the houses with the cliff and a tomb chamber visible above — requires positioning on the south bank about 100m east of the main Hatuniye Bridge.

Bimarhane (Ilkhanid Hospital and Theological School)

Address: North bank, Amasya city centre. Entry: ₺50. Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00–17:30. Duration: 45–75 minutes.

The Bimarhane (1308–1309 CE) is one of the most significant Ilkhanid/Mongol-period buildings in Anatolia — built under the Ilkhanate (the Mongol successor state that controlled Persia and eastern Anatolia after the 1243 conquest). The building served as both a medical facility (bimarhane = hospital) and a religious school (madrasa/zaviye).

The architecture: The Bimarhane’s iwaned courtyard — the large vaulted arches opening onto a central court — is the key feature. The geometric tile work and the carved stone portal represent the Ilkhanid aesthetic that bridges Persian and Anatolian traditions. The building is significantly earlier than the Ottoman architecture that dominates Amasya’s older monuments.

Current use: The Bimarhane now houses the Halifeler Türbesi (mausoleum) and functions as a small cultural site. The courtyard is the main attraction.

Amasya Museum

Address: Near the riverfront, north bank. Entry: ₺80. Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 08:30–17:30. Duration: 1–1.5 hours.

The Amasya Museum is the primary repository for the archaeological material from the Pontic, Roman, and Ottoman periods of the city and surrounding region.

The Ilkhanid mummies: The museum’s most unusual exhibits are the naturally mummified remains of Ilkhanid-period individuals — found in tombs in the region and preserved by the dry conditions. The mummies (clothed, partially preserved) are displayed in the museum and provide a visceral connection to the medieval history of the region.

Archaeological collection: Pontic period pottery, coins, and grave goods; Roman bronze; Byzantine-era objects; Ottoman domestic items. The numismatic collection (coins spanning Pontic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods) is particularly complete.

Pontus Castle (Kalesi)

Access: Path from the Pontic tomb area; 20–30 minutes beyond the tombs. Entry: ₺50. Hours: 08:00–19:00 daily.

The castle on the ridge above the tombs was the citadel that controlled the valley and defended the Pontic capital. The current structure is Ottoman (with Byzantine and Pontic foundations), built and rebuilt through the 14th–16th centuries.

The walk up: The path from the river to the castle (via the Pontic tombs) gains approximately 250m elevation — 45–60 minutes total. Rewarding for the views; the castle itself has towers, walls, and cisterns but limited interior structure.

Combined visit: The tombs and castle are best visited in one climb — take the path from the river, visit the tombs (1–2 hours), continue to the castle (30 minutes beyond), descend, and end at the riverfront for the late-afternoon light.

Apple orchards and valley walks

The Yeşilırmak valley north and south of Amasya is apple orchard country — the Amasya apple (small, intensely fragrant, red-and-yellow blush) is Turkey’s most famous apple variety, and the orchards that produce it are in the valley walls and the tributary valleys around the city.

Orchard walk: The valley road north from the city (toward Suluova) passes through orchard zones — in April–May (blossom) and September–October (harvest), the valley is at its most impressive. Walking or cycling these roads is a 2–4 hour outing depending on distance covered.

Harvest markets: During the September–October harvest, the market stalls along the river and in the Hatuniye bazaar sell fresh Amasya apples — eat one at the market to understand why this variety has been famous for 2,000 years.

Practical: Car or bicycle for the valley orchards; the inner city walking is adequate for the Pontic tombs and Ottoman district.

Hatuniye Mosque and bazaar

The Hatuniye Mosque complex (15th century) — the principal Ottoman mosque of Amasya — anchors the commercial district of the old city. The mosque, its minaret visible from the river, is surrounded by the bazaar market (covered copper and textile shops, some older).

Entry: Free (remove shoes; modest dress).

Amasya sightseeing summary

Site	Entry	Duration	Essential?
Pontic rock tombs	₺80	1–2 hrs	Yes
Ottoman riverfront walk	Free	30–45 min	Yes
Bimarhane	₺50	45–75 min	Yes
Amasya Museum	₺80	1–1.5 hrs	Yes
Pontus Castle	₺50	1–2 hrs (with walk)	If time
Apple orchard walk	Free	2–4 hrs	Seasonal (April–May, Sept–Oct)

• Where to stay in Amasya
• History of Amasya
• Hiking near Amasya