Things to do in Kayseri
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Mahperi Hunat Hatun Complex
Among Kayseri's distinctive features are several important building complexes that were founded by Seljuk queens and princesses, including the austere-looking Mahperi Hunat Hatun Complex, east of the citadel. It comprises the Mahperi Hunat Hatun Camii (1238), built by the wife of Alaattin Keykubat; the Hunat Hatun Medresesi (1237); and a hamam, which is still in use.
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Archaeological Museum
If you have half an hour to spare, wander through the park to the small Archaeological Museum, a minor magpie's nest featuring finds from nearby Kültepe (ancient Kaniş, the chief city of the Hatti people and the first Hittite capital). The largest city mound discovered in Anatolia, Kültepe yielded the area's oldest written documents. Many relate to commerce, such as the Assyrian clay tablets and envelopes from 1920 BC to 1840 BC. Other exhibits include a stunning sarcophagus illustrating Hercules' chores, a Bronze Age mother goddess idol, child mummies, Roman and Hellenistic jewellery, hieroglyphic inscriptions relating to King Tuthalia IV and a decapitated but imposing s…
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Beyazsaray
Across the road from Öz Urfa Sofrası, this frantically busy place serves İskender kebaps that are nearly as good as those served at Elmacioğlu İskender et Lokantası. Best of all, it has a takeaway counter at the front where you can grab an absolutely delicious chicken döner sandwich for a mere around €1.55.
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Elmacioğlu İskender et Lokantası
Ascend in a lift to Kayseri's best restaurant, with waiters sporting bow ties and big windows overlooking the citadel. İskender kebaps are the house speciality, available with köfte or in 'double' form (TL13), and other dishes include pastırma pide (TL8.50). Recommended.
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Citadel
Now acting as an overflow valve for the nearby bazaar, the monumental, black volcanic-stone walls of the citadel (hisar or kale) were constructed in the early 13th century, during the Seljuk sultan Alaattin Keykubat's reign. Kayseri saw its first castle in the 3rd century, under the Roman emperor Gordian III, and the Byzantine emperor Justinian made alterations 300 years later. The present building has been restored over the years – twice in the 15th century.
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Ulu Cami
Another mosque worth inspecting is Kayseri's Ulu Cami, immediately to the south. It was begun in 1142 by the Danışmend Turkish emirs and finished by the Seljuks in 1205. Despite all the 'restoration' over the centuries, it's still a good example of early Seljuk style.
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Çifte Medrese
Another striking monument is the Çifte Medrese (Twin Seminaries). These adjoining religious schools, set in Mimar Sinan Parkı north of Park Caddesi, were founded at the bequest of the Seljuk sultan Gıyasettin I Keyhüsrev and his sister Gevher Nesibe Sultan (1165–1204). The Museum of Medical History inside is located in the former theatre of one of the world's first medical training schools.
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Tuana
Entered from the lane leading from the PTT to Sivas Caddesi, the smart Tuana offers a roll-call of classics such as kebaps and Kayseri mantı. When it's quiet, the ocean of red tables and chairs adorned with golden ribbons have the air of an out-of-season seaside resort, but it's easy to distract yourself with the views of the citadel and Erciyes Dağı.
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Kurşunlu Cami
A bit west of Cumhuriyet Meydanı stands the Ottoman-style Kurşunlu Cami. Also called the Ahmet Paşa Camii after its founder, it was completed in 1585 possibly following plans drawn up by the great Sinan (who was born in a nearby village).
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Döner Kümbet
Scattered about Kayseri are several conical Seljuk tombs dating from Seljuk times. Most famous is the so-called Döner Kümbet, about 600m southeast of the citadel along Talas Caddesi, but you'll spot many others as you walk around.
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Öz Urfa Sofrası
Another safe choice for a kebap feast, this busy place is always full of locals. It serves local specialities such as pide with pastırma and the usual line-up of meat on sticks.
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Ethnography Museum
Just southeast of the citadel is the 18th-century Güpgüpoğlu Konağı, a stone Ottoman mansion with beautiful wooden balconies and doorways. Inside, the Ethnography Museum is split between an exhibition of Ottoman craft and a mannequin-inhabited section, evoking how life was lived under the multicoloured beams.
Nearby is the stylish Atatürk Evi, a small, originally furnished Ottoman-era house where Atatürk stayed when he visited.
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Atatürk Evi
Also worth having a look at nearby is the modest but stylish Atatürk Evi, a small, originally furnished Ottoman-era house where Kemal Atatürk stayed when he visited Kayseri.
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Cappadocia on Foot
8 days (Kayseri)
Follow ancient trails to discover the lunar landscape of Cappadocia on foot.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$990 -
Cappadocia Guided Walk
8 days (Kayseri)
Follow ancient trails to discover the lunar landscape of Cappadocia on foot.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,090 -
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Sahabiye Medresesi
Back towards the citadel, be sure to have a look at the Sahabiye Medresesi, an Islamic theological school which dates from 1268 and now functions as a book bazaar.
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Cappadocia Family Adventure
6 days (Kayseri)
A family adventure to explore the fascinating rock formations of the Cappadocia region on foot.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,090 -
Surup Krikor Lusavoriç Kilise
The 19th-century Surup Krikor Lusavoriç Kilise is one of Anatolia's few remaining Armenian churches. Asiatic Review described it as 'tawdry' back in 1937, and the seldom-used building is certainly dilapidated. However, the domed interior is worth a look, mostly for the three gilded altars, containing paintings that replaced the originals last century. The painting on the left, with four fiery columns topped by flaming crosses, depicts the vision of St Gregory, who grew up in Kayseri. Located in a bad part of town, the church is tricky to find, so take a taxi (TL15 return from the tourist office, including waiting time). Ring the bell on the west side of the building to g…
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Seljuk Monuments
Kayseri is dotted with conical Seljuk tombs, the most famous of which is the so-called Döner Kümbet at Kartal Junction. On the way to the Archaeological Museum, you'll pass a cluster of Seljuk monuments, including the Alaca Kümbet, with a typical quadratic design and pyramidal roof.
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İstanbul Balık Pazarı
Choose between the fish frying at the door, then head past the glistening catches in the fishmongers to the small dining room, with its mishmash of nautical and historical paintings.
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Islamic Buildings
Back towards the citadel is the Ottoman-style Kurşunlu Cami. Also called the Ahmet Paşa Camii after its founder, it was built in the late 16th century, possibly following plans drawn up by the great Sinan(who was born in a nearby village). North of Cumhuriyet Meydanı, be sure to have a look at the Sahabiye Medresesi, an Islamic theological school that now functions as a book bazaar.
Another notable mosque is Kayseri's Ulu Cami (Great Mosque), begun in the mid-12th century by the Danışmend Turkish emirs and finished by the Seljuks in 1205. It features some good examples of early Seljuk style, such as the brick minaret, one of the first built in Anatolia.
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Divan Pastanesi
Across Millet Caddesi from the Elmacioğlu İskender et Lokantası, this modern pastry shop is a favourite among Kayseri's sweet tooths.
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Anadolu Et Lokantası
Meaty goodness is the order of the day at this happening lunch-time hangout.
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