Do you only know Trabzon for its lush green plateaus and deep blue sea? Of course, those beauties are legendary, but this time, let us take you to the magical place where the city's 4000-year-old heart beats, where every stone whispers a story: Ortahisar. This is the land conquered by Fatih the Conqueror, governed by Yavuz Sultan Selim, and where a world emperor like Suleiman the Magnificent was born. If you are one of those who love to get lost in the history-laden streets to truly understand a city, this guide is for you. Here is our step-by-step list of things to do in Trabzon Castle and Ortahisar!

Walk through the narrow streets of Ortahisar, the city's oldest settlement

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to touch history? You will feel exactly that when you step into the narrow, cobblestone streets of Ortahisar. This is where Trabzon was founded, where civilization first blossomed. Walking through these streets, where time slows down and historical mansions with bay windows wink at you, is like wandering through an open-air museum.   

A different detail, a different layer of history awaits you at every corner. An ancient fountain on one side, the silhouette of a historic mosque on the other... It's perfectly normal to feel as if you've been transported to the past in this atmosphere. This historical texture is the best starting point for understanding the soul of the city. After your tour here, we are sure you will find great inspiration for other places to visit in Trabzon.

Explore the Upper, Middle, and Lower Fortress sections

In the heart of Ortahisar, Trabzon Castle, the city's thousand-year-old guardian, greets you in all its glory. This massive structure, stretching from the seashore to the hills, is not just a single castle but a living history consisting of three different sections. Its foundations are thought to date back to the Roman period in the 4th century B.C., and some sources even suggest the 2000s B.C.. Let's explore these three fortresses together.   

Upper Fortress (Yukarı Hisar): This is the castle's acropolis, its oldest and most strategic point. Think of it as the place where the city was governed, where emperors' palaces were located. Even today, watching Trabzon and the Black Sea from its surviving walls reminds one of the depths of history. It is known to contain the remains of a palace, a bath, and a tower.   

Middle Fortress (Orta Hisar): This was the center of civilian life in the castle and the old city. With its famous gates like Zağnos and İmaret, it was the most bustling part of the city. The most important mosques, baths, and mansions of that period were located in this section, meaning the heart of old Trabzon beat right here.   

Lower Fortress (Aşağı Hisar): As the name suggests, this is the section that descends from the Zağnos Valley to the sea. This was the city's gateway to the world, its port and commercial district. In this area, where different cultures lived together, you can see traces of various civilizations, such as St. Andrea Church (now Molla Siyah Mosque), Pazarkapısı Mosque, and İskender Pasha Fountains.   

Visit the house (museum) where Suleiman the Magnificent was born

Leaving the imposing walls of the castle, we journey to a more personal page of history, into the childhood of a world emperor. Yes, you heard it right! The most magnificent sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent, spent his life in these lands, in Ortahisar, until the age of 15. The house in the neighborhood where he was born now awaits visitors as a wonderful museum.   

Formerly known only as Kanuni House, this building is now named Suleiman the Magnificent Ottoman Cultural House and brings together three great names in Trabzon's Ottoman history. When you step inside, you are greeted by incredibly realistic wax statues of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Yavuz Sultan Selim, and of course, Suleiman the Magnificent. The museum also exhibits items, paintings, and historical documents from the period. As you explore this mansion, one of the finest examples of traditional Trabzon architecture, your journey into history will become even more meaningful. After immersing yourself in Ottoman history here, you might want to take a break with the unique flavors of the Black Sea.

We have compiled the most practical information that will be useful for planning your trip:

While You're Here...

If this historical journey in the heart of Ortahisar has tired you out but you still have energy, there are a few more wonderful places to explore nearby. You can take a breather in the lush Zağnos Valley Park right next to the castle, visit the Trabzon Hagia Sophia which mesmerizes with its unique Byzantine architecture, or see the elegant Atatürk's Pavilion where Atatürk stayed during his visits to the city and wrote a part of his will.

For More Information: For more detailed and official information about Trabzon's rich cultural heritage, you can visit (https://trabzon.ktb.gov.tr/).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: Is there an entrance fee for Trabzon Castle, and what are the visiting hours?Answer: It is completely free to visit the walls and outer areas of Trabzon Castle, and they are generally open 24 hours a day. However, some special sections or museums within the castle may have different visiting hours, and some parts may close in the evening for security reasons. It is a good idea to check the current status before your visit.   

Question: What can I see at the Suleiman the Magnificent House Museum?Answer: In the museum, you can see the wax statues of three Ottoman sultans who are of great importance to Trabzon: Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Yavuz Sultan Selim, and Suleiman the Magnificent. Additionally, historical items, paintings, and documents related to the Ottoman period are exhibited. The best part is that admission to the museum is free.   

Question: How much time should I allocate to visit the Ortahisar area?Answer: We recommend setting aside at least half a day (about 3-4 hours) to properly explore the historic streets of Ortahisar, the three sections of Trabzon Castle, and the Kanuni House. If you add other historical sites like the Hagia Sophia to your list, allocating a full day would be ideal.