Top 10 places to visit in Gümüşhane.
Top 10 places to visit in Gümüşhane.
Gümüşhane is a hidden paradise that combines the captivating greenery of the Black Sea with the rugged and historical geography of Eastern Anatolia. Here are the top 10 must-see places in the city, full of nature and history:
1. Karaca Cave (Torul)
One of the first places that comes to mind when Gümüşhane is mentioned, this cave is literally an underground palace. This karst formation, with a history of approximately 15 million years, has a captivating atmosphere with its colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and travertine pools. The cave’s high-oxygen air is known to be beneficial for asthma sufferers.
2. Tomara Waterfall Nature Park (Şiran)
Also called “Forty Springs” by the locals, this natural wonder is formed by water gushing from approximately 40 separate springs on the mountainside, cascading down from a height of 15 meters. Thanks to the glass walkway built right above the waterfall, you can watch these gushing waters from above and spend a peaceful day among the lush green trees surrounding it.
3. Limni Lake Nature Park (Torul)
Located at the foot of the Zigana Mountains, surrounded by Scots pine forests, Limni Lake is like a postcard. With its low humidity, clean air, and peaceful nature, it is a favorite spot for those who want to cool off and have a picnic, especially in the summer months. The wooden walkways and resting areas around the lake offer a pleasant walking experience.
4. Santa Ruins (Center – Dumanlı Village)
Hidden among the steep mountains on the Gümüşhane-Trabzon border, Santa is an old Greek settlement dating back to the 17th century. The area contains the ruins of dozens of stone houses, churches, and schools. Offering a melancholic and mystical atmosphere amidst the fog, this abandoned historical village is a unique route especially for photography enthusiasts and history buffs.
5. Torul Castle and Glass Observation Terrace (Torul)
This glass terrace, built on the summit next to the historical Torul Castle, constructed in the Middle Ages for defense and surveillance purposes, is a popular spot for adrenaline seekers. Located 240 meters above the ground, the terrace is one of the highest glass platforms in Türkiye. From here, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Harşit Valley, the steep mountains, and the town of Torul.
6. Süleymaniye Neighborhood – Old Gümüşhane (Center)
Located just above the modern city center, the Süleymaniye Neighborhood is home to the city’s millennia-old history. In this historical area, where Ottoman and Greek architecture are blended, old stone mansions, mosques, churches, and minarets rise side by side. Walking through its streets, which bear the traces of the past, you will feel as if you have entered a time tunnel.
7. Artabel Lakes Nature Park (Torul)
Known as the “Mysterious Mirrors of the Heights,” this nature park consists of 18 glacial and crater lakes located between 2,700 and 3,300 meters above sea level. With its endemic vegetation, waterfalls, and untouched pristine nature, Artabel is a magnificent paradise, especially for professional nature lovers interested in trekking, camping, and mountaineering.
8. Kov Castle (Center – Esenyurt Village)
One of the most magnificent and best-preserved castles in the Eastern Black Sea region, Kov Castle was built in 1361 on a steep cliff to defend the area. Bearing the traces of Seljuk architecture and recently restored, this imposing structure offers a panoramic view of the entire valley.
9. Kürtün Spider Forests (Kürtün)
These forests, boasting one of Türkiye’s densest and most unique ecosystems, are home to some of the tallest and oldest spruce and fir trees in Europe and Türkiye. They get their name from the fact that almost no sunlight penetrates the forest due to its density. The Çağlayandibi Waterfall, located at the edge of the forest and accessible via a green tunnel, is also a must-see.
10. İmera Monastery (Center – Olucak Village)
This monastery, notable for its Gothic architecture, was built in 1350 according to written sources. A third-degree archaeological site, the structure stands out with its magnificent stonework and artistic motifs that have withstood the test of centuries. It is one of Gümüşhane’s most important and impressive historical remains in terms of religious tourism.
A little travel note: Since the beauties of Gümüşhane are spread across different districts and mountainous regions, traveling by private vehicle and allocating at least 2-3 days will ensure a wonderful experience to fully explore the city. Don’t forget to try the city’s registered delicacies, the famous pestil and köme varieties, during your trip.
About the Author
