Photo: Sakaryonca (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 7 places to visit in the Honaz district of Denizli: Colossae Ancient City, Honaz Dağı National Park and Honaz Castle. Plan your trip to Honaz with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Honaz is a district of Denizli province that gained district status in 1987. Mount Honaz, at 2,571 metres, is the highest mountain in the Aegean Region, and the district sits on its northern slope.
The district’s climate is influenced by the Aegean climate, but its high altitude means annual rainfall is quite high. This rainy climate is particularly well suited to cherry growing.
Honaz is famous for cherries, peaches, cotton and cennet elması, and it is an important cherry-producing area. About 80% of the cherries grown are exported abroad, and average annual cherry exports are around 60 million TL. Domestic and foreign market sales of agricultural products average around 500 million TL a year. The district also has a long-established paste (salça) factory.
The ancient city of Colossae, where one of the seven churches mentioned in the Bible was located, is an archaeological site 2 km from the district. Colossae’s history goes back earlier than the 5th century BC. It was originally a Phrygian city, and over time it became a Greek one. Khonai, founded in the 7th century, received the title of archbishopric between 858 and 860, and in 950 became a metropolis, one of the important religious centres of Anatolia.
Honaz left Ottoman control when Timur took Denizli in 1403, and returned to Ottoman rule in 1429. The municipality of Honaz was founded in 1914. Cherries are one of Honaz’s most important agricultural products. Colossae is the ancient city where one of the seven churches mentioned in the Bible was located.
On the site of today’s Honaz, the town of Khonae (Honas) existed during the Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, and the ancient city of Colossae was founded 3 km to the north, on the bank of the Lykos River. Mount Honaz, the highest mountain in the Aegean Region, was declared a national park in 1995 and has become a centre for outdoor sports with its rich plant cover and wildlife.
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Photo: Sakaryonca (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source An ancient city mentioned in the Bible as one of the seven churches. It was originally a Phrygian city and later became a Greek one. Its archaeological remains lie 2 kilometres from the district centre.
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Photo: Himmet401 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Mount Honaz, at 2,528 metres the highest mountain in the Aegean Region, was declared a national park in 1995. Its endemic plant species, pine forests and hiking trails attract nature lovers.
View on mapThe castle ruins at the foot of Mount Honaz date from the Byzantine period. Known as Chonae in the Byzantine Empire, the settlement was an important religious centre.
View on mapWater flowing from Mount Honaz cascades over the rocky slopes to form a waterfall. The area around the falls is suitable for picnics and nature walks.
View on mapA highland plateau on the road linking Yatağan with some villages of Honaz, whose infrastructure has been completed by the municipality.
View on mapA ruined mosque in the Upper Cemetery, believed to have been commissioned by Murat II.
View on mapWhile you are in Honaz, you can also see the highlights of Denizli province. These places are in other districts; Honaz is about 20 km from the provincial centre.
Lamb marinated in special spices and slow-cooked over a wood fire. It is served in the local restaurants of Honaz.
Prepared by simmering lamb with its bones for a long time. It is an essential dish on Honaz winter tables.
Thinly rolled dough filled with cheese or herbs and cooked on a griddle. Fresh gözleme is served on the Mount Honaz plateaus.
Colossae is the ancient city to which Saint Paul wrote his Epistle to the Colossians. This makes Honaz an important centre in the history of early Christianity.
Mount Honaz is the most important geographical feature shaping the lives of local people. The traditions of highland pasturing, gathering mountain plants and outdoor sports continue.
Honaz's economy is based on agriculture, livestock farming and tourism. Cherry, grape and vegetable growing are the main farming activities. Thanks to Mount Honaz National Park, nature tourism is developing. Its proximity to Denizli city centre makes industry and services important too.
Honaz is 20 km from Denizli city centre. Regular minibus services run from Denizli.
The highlights of Honaz are 7 places: Colossae Ancient City, Mount Honaz National Park, Honaz Castle, Honaz Waterfall, Kaklık Cave, Kefe Plateau and Sultan Murat Mosque.
Denizli Kebabı, Tandır Çorbası and Gözleme are the standout dishes on Honaz tables.
Honaz is known for Honaz Kirazı (Honaz cherries) and for Colossae and early Christianity. Honaz Kirazı is a product registered as a protected designation of origin with TÜRKPATENT.
Honaz is 20 km from Denizli city centre. Regular minibus services run from Denizli.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer.