Afyonkarahisar stands out as a spa paradise known for its hot and healing waters. Afyonkarahisar, one of Turkey’s favorite places in terms of thermal tourism, also draws attention with its 5000-year-old history. The city’s rich cultural heritage and historical texture attracts many tourists every year.
Afyonkarahisar is also famous for its local cuisine. The city offers its guests an unforgettable experience with its many historical places to explore and its unique tastes.
Famous for its natural thermal resources, Afyonkarahisar also stands out with its historical and cultural riches from its thousands of years of history. Those who come here not only enjoy the healing waters but also admire the history and culture of the city.
Afyonkarahisar Castle
The first stop for those who want to discover the rich history of Afyon is the magnificent building rising to the center of the city. ‘Afyonkarahisar Castle’is. This castle, which has a history dating back thousands of years, is located on steep cliffs with a height of 225 meters. Hittites It is known to have a history dating back to 1350 BC.
The building, also known as Karahisar Castle, Mother Goddess KybeleIt is home to important features such as temples dedicated to and four large cisterns. When you climb the castle, one of the symbolic buildings of Afyonkarahisar, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
Phrygian Valley
The Phrygian Valley, located in the geography spread between Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, Eskişehir and Kütahya, bears the traces of the Phrygians, who hosted an impressive civilization approximately 3000 years ago. The Phrygian Way project, opened in 2013, allows travelers to explore this ancient region by hosting long walking and cycling routes of Phrygia at international standards.
Ana, whom the Phrygians accepted as the goddess of fertility and nature Rock monuments, tombs, altars and open-air temples dedicated to the goddess Kubele It can be visited in the Phrygian Valley. Among these structures located in the Göynüş Valley Open Air Temple and İhsaniye Döğer Region Aslantaş, Yılantaş, Maltaş, Kumcaboğaz, Kapıkaya and Aslankaya There are important works such as. There are also places worth seeing in the region such as Ayazin Village Ruins, Seydiler Castle, Selimiye Rocks, Kırkinler Rocks and fairy chimneys.
İscehisar Fairy Chimneys
One of the hidden beauties of Afyon fairy chimneys Do you have information about it? The fairy chimneys you can find throughout the Phrygian Valley offer unique views. Fairy chimneys with or without hats in İhsaniye, İscehisar, Bayat and Bolvadin districts you can see. Afyon is geologically founded on a volcanic land.
Egerli Rock Church
One of the favorite spots of Afyon Egerli Rock Churchis one of the historical and touristic values of the city. This easily accessible church is known as the strongest among the other rock churches in Afyon. The interior of the church, which has a history dating back thousands of years, is decorated with masterfully made madder patterns. You should definitely see these unique patterns during your visit to Afyon. Moreover, Other important churches such as Ağır Kaya Church, Memeç Kaya Church and Böcü İnleri Church You may also want to see it.
Afyonkarahisar Grand Mosque
Located in the center of Afyon and Grand Mosque supported by 40 wooden columnsIt is the largest mosque in the city and is also known as Kırk Direkli Mosque. in 1273 Afyon Sanjak Bey Nasreduddin Hasan The mosque, built by , was repaired in 1341. The architecture and decorations of the mosque, which has a mystical atmosphere, are also very impressive. You should definitely take time to explore the Grand Mosque as a work of art rather than visiting it as a place of worship.
Commander-in-Chief Historical National Park
Commander-in-Chief Historical National Park, which has a large area spread over the provinces of Uşak, Kütahya and Afyon, covers a total area of 348,340 decares. Kocatepe and Dumlupınar regions, of the Great Offensive They stand out as places where a great victory took place and a great victory was won. This important historical and cultural area was declared a national park on November 8, 1981.
There are historical sites, monuments and martyrs’ cemeteries of the War of Independence within the National Park. in Kocatepe region Kocatepe Monument and Inscription, Captain Agah Efendi Martyrdom, Victory Museum, Great Offensive Martyrdom, Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Monument and Colonel Reşat Çiğiltepe Martyrdom. While there are important structures such as, in the Dumlupınar region Zafertepe Monument, Martyr Sancaktar Mehmetçik Monument, Şekip Efendi Martyrdom, Üç Tepeler Martyrdom, Dumlupınar Museum, Dumlupınar Monument and Atatürk House, Dumlupınar Martyrdom There are historical buildings such as.
Afyon Anıtkaya (Eğret) Martyrdom
In 1922, during the War of Independence In memory of those martyred in the 13th Regiment and the 20th Regiment Afyon Anıtkaya (Eğret) Martyrs Cemetery is located in Anıtkaya location on the Afyon-Kütahya highway. This cemetery, which was built as a stepped structure in 1924, was renovated in 1972. You can visit this martyrs’ cemetery on the days when state ceremonies are held or during your visit to Afyon and show your respect for history.
Other important martyrs’ cemeteries and monuments in Afyon include:
Kocatepe Monument
Great Offensive Martyrdom and Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Monument
Victory (UTKU) Monument
Afyonkarahisar Air Martyrs Cemetery
Giresunlular Regiment Martyrdom
Şuhut Martyrdom
Yıldırım Kemal Martyrdom
Çiğiltepe Martyrdom
Captain Agah Efendi (Kurtkaya) Martyrdom
Kırkgöz Bridge
Located on Akarçay in Bolvadin district Kırkgöz BridgeThe first half of which was built by Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Kommen in 1150. The bridge, for which marble and basalt stones were used in its construction, was built with a length of 200 meters by Mimar Sinan during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. expanded with additional structure and 64 eyes has been made. A marble staircase and a prayer area were added to this part of the bridge to go down to the water. It attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists with its 57-eyed section that has survived to the present day.
Yedikapilar Monastery
Located in Bolvadin district Yedikapılar Monastery, It is one of the historical places. It is estimated that the churches and rooms carved into the tuff rocks in Kemerkaya were built between the 8th and 10th centuries. It is very easy to reach this monastery and it is one of the places you must see during your visit to Afyon.
Afyon Historical Bedesten Bazaar
Bearing the characteristics of the young period of Ottoman architecture Historical Bedesten BazaarIt was built by Hacı Bekir Tiryaki in 1914. The building, designed by a French architect, was restored by Afyonkarahisar Municipality in 2016. The renewed bazaar is appreciated by tradesmen and visitors.
Kocayayla – Tokalı Canyon (Akdağ)
Kocayayla, located in Afyonkarahisar, is a plateau located at the foot of Akdağ and attracts attention with its natural beauty. It is located 35 km away from Sandıklı district and is known for its rich vegetation, forest areas and water resources.
Tokalı Canyon in Kocayayla It is approximately 20 km long. For adventure lovers, a 12 km section can be crossed. You can reach Akdağ Nature Park with a passage time of approximately 8 hours on a challenging track that may require climbing. In this region, there are places worth seeing, such as Akçay, which flows into Çivril Lake, and various caves can also be explored.
Buzluk Cave
Located in Sultandağı district Buzluk CaveIt is a natural wonder located at the highest point of the Sultan Mountains. It is recommended that you choose the summer months to visit this cave, which is located in a high, cold and snow-covered region.
To reach the cave, you need to come to Küçük Kirazlı Plateau with your car. The remaining part can be covered by walking for approximately 4 hours. You will be pleased with the views you will see after a difficult and long journey. After the narrow entrance of the cave, ice begins to form on the ground. The icicles and crystals inside the cave offer an extraordinary view.
Wolf’s Den Cave
Located in Sandıklı district Wolf’s Den CaveIt is located at an altitude of 1700 meters. Located in a forested area, the cave is 34 kilometers away from the center of Sandıklı and is in an area called Bökenin Yurdu. You can also visit Oktur Cave, located near this cave.
Afyon Poppy Fields
Located in Alagöz Village of Sandıklı district. Opium poppy fieldsIt is spread over approximately 200 acres of land and creates a magnificent view in spring and summer. Poppy flowers spread across the Afyon Plain open with the arrival of spring and mature throughout the summer. White and purple flowers If you want to see this visual feast, you can time your visit to Afyon when the poppy flowers are blooming.
Afyonkarahisar Thermal Springs
Gazlıgöl Thermal Tourism Center and Gazlıgöl Legend
Located 21 kilometers from the center of Afyon Gazlıgöl Thermal Springs, It consists of thermal waters with a temperature of 45-68 °C. The water of this hot spring contains hyperthermal, hypotenic, alkethirine carbonate and slightly radioactive components. In addition to this water used in drinking and bath treatments, there are pools and historical fountains in the spa area.
The legend of Gazlıgöl is as follows:; Having everything but having no children King MidasWith prayers, she becomes pregnant with a daughter. However, the boils on his daughter’s body push the king into deep sadness. The king’s daughter, Suna, sets out on the road to heal her boils and comes across healing water in Gazlıgöl Thermal Spring. Suna, who was healed by drinking this water and dipping it in mud, tells this incident to his father. The king has a bath built for the healing of those who benefit from this water. This legend is based on Gazlıgöl Thermal Springs. Phrygians This has led to a belief that it has been used since ancient times.
Omer Thermal Spring
Located 15 kilometers from the center of Afyon, Ömer Thermal Spring has a 125-year-old pool. The water temperature varies between 46-71 °C and contains sodium chloride, bicarbonate and hyperthermal components. The name of Ömer Thermal Spring comes from the Ömer Dede tomb in the region and it belongs to the group of gaseous waters.
Night Spa
Located on the Afyonkarahisar – Kütahya road, Gecek Thermal Spring is 18 kilometers from the center of Afyon. The temperature of the hot spring is 71 °C and the chemical components of the water include free sulfur hydrogen gases, sodium chloride and bicarbonate. Gecek Thermal Spring, which is also preferred as a recreation area, is known for its healing waters.
Heybeli Thermal Tourism Center
Heybeli Thermal Tourism Center in Bolvadin district is 30 kilometers away from the center of Afyon. The water of the hot spring in the region, also known as the Red Church, has an average temperature of 56 °C and has a thermomineral water containing Ca, Na, HCO3 and SO4. Heybeli thermal spring has been used since the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Hüdai Thermal Tourism Center
Hüdai Thermal Springs, located in the Sandıklı district of Afyonkarahisar, has a history dating back to the Phrygians. The temperature of the hot spring is between 80-85 °C and contains sodium sulfate and bicarbonate. This hot spring is famous for its mud baths and ranks first in Turkey in terms of radioactivity. Different treatment methods such as water bath and drinking therapy are also applied.
Ancient Cities to Visit in Afyonkarahisar
The ancient cities to visit in Afyonkarahisar have a rich historical heritage:
Synnada Ancient City
Synnada Ancient City, located in Şuhut district of Afyon, has been an important settlement since the Old Bronze Age, during the Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods. It is known as the capital of Phrygia.
Apameia Ancient City
Apameia Ancient City, located in the region known as Dinar district, was founded during the Persian period. It was an important center during the Hellenic and Roman periods, and its ancient theater and stadium have survived to the present day.
Docimeium Ancient City
This ancient city, located in the İscehisar district of Afyonkarahisar, may have been founded by Macedonians during the Hellenistic period. It gained semi-autonomy during the Roman period.
Amorium Ancient City
Amorium Ancient City, located in Hisarköy in Emirdağ district, continued its existence fully autonomously during the Hellenistic period and semi-autonomously during the Roman period. It bears the traces of 7 civilizations.
Other ancient settlements in Afyon include:
Beudus Vetus (Palaeobeudus), Bolvadin
Julia (Ipsos), Bolvadin
Bruzus, Sandıklı
Eucarpeia, Sandıklı
Hieropolis, Sandikli
Stectorium, Sandıklı
Otrus, Teachers
Diocleia, Teachers
Sibidunda, Şuhut
Ococlia, Şuhut
Lysias, Shuhut
Metropolis, Dinar
Cidyessus, from Xinjiang
Sanaus, Dazkırı
Prymnessus, Pheasant Village
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