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6 places to visit in the central district of Gümüşhane: Karaca Cave, Gümüşhane Castle and Old Gümüşhane (Süleymaniye). Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Gümüşhane lies in the inner part of the Eastern Black Sea Mountains, in a valley about 1,150 metres above sea level. The district, with an area of 1,889 km² and a population of 54,697, lies at an altitude of 1,174 metres.

History

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, mining activity in the region was the livelihood of the city and its surroundings.

History and Culture

Gümüşhane has 80 monasteries and churches and 24 chapels. It has 16 historic castles, most of which are positioned above passes and settlements.

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Places to Visit in Gümüşhane Central District

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
Karaca Cave - Merkez
Nature

Karaca Cave

A cave within the boundaries of Merkez district, known for its dripstone formations.

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Historic

Gümüşhane Castle

A castle on a hill overlooking the city centre, known for its Byzantine-period remains. From the castle, the Harşit Stream valley and the panoramic view of the city can be seen.

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Historic

Old Gümüşhane (Süleymaniye)

The ruins of the old city, the centre of silver mining in the Ottoman period, are a historic open-air museum with the remains of a mosque, hammam and mansions. They bear traces of 16th–18th century Ottoman architecture.

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Limni Lake Nature Park - Merkez Photo: Hamdigumus (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Nature

Limni Lake Nature Park

Limni Lake lies at an altitude of 1,900 metres above sea level. It is a volcanic crater lake surrounded by pine forests. The area, which has nature park status, is suitable for picnics and nature photography.

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Historic

Kov Castle (Esenyurt Village)

Within the boundaries of Esenyurt (Kov) village, a castle estimated to have been built in 1361, now restored.

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Religious

İmera Monastery

Within the boundaries of Olucak village, a monastery built in 1350 according to its inscription.

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What to Eat in Gümüşhane Central District

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  • Siron (Gümüşhane Mantısı)

    Made by filling thin yufka with minced meat or potato, rolling it and baking it. Served with yoghurt and a butter sauce, siron is the signature flavour of Gümüşhane.

  • Pestil

    Made by boiling mulberry or grape juice and drying it in thin layers, pestil is a protected geographical indication product of Gümüşhane.

  • Köme

    Köme, made by dipping strings of walnuts or hazelnuts in a grape-molasses mixture and drying them, is together with pestil the best-known sweet of Gümüşhane.

  • Etli Ekmek (meat flatbread)

    Thin dough spread with minced meat, onion and spices and baked in a stone oven. It is one of the traditional flavours of Gümüşhane.

  • Ayvalı Et Yemeği (lamb and quince stew)

    Prepared with lamb and quince, this dish is among the distinctive flavours of Gümüşhane.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Gümüşhane Central District

  • Silver Mining Heritage

    Gümüşhane takes its name from the rich silver mines of the region during the Ottoman period. A major mining centre in the 16th–18th centuries, the city keeps this heritage alive through its museum and the remains of its old town.

  • Pestil and Köme Festival

    The Pestil and Köme Festival, held every year, hosts cultural events to promote Gümüşhane's traditional products.

Local Products

  • Gümüşhane Pestili — Pestil made from mulberry or grape juice is a protected geographical indication product of Gümüşhane. It has been produced by traditional methods for centuries.
  • Gümüşhane Kömesi — Köme, made by dipping strings of walnuts or hazelnuts in a grape-molasses mixture and drying them, is the signature product of the province together with pestil.

Economy

Gümüşhane Merkez is the administrative and commercial centre of the province. Pestil and köme production, agriculture and livestock are the main economic activities. Karaca Cave and nature tourism are among the sources of income. Gümüşhane University contributes to the education sector.

How to Get to Gümüşhane Central District

Gümüşhane is 100 km from Trabzon and 200 km from Erzurum. It lies on the Trabzon–Erzurum road (E97). Trabzon Airport is about 110 km away.

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Gümüşhane Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Gümüşhane Merkez?

The six highlights in Gümüşhane Merkez are Karaca Cave, Gümüşhane Castle, Old Gümüşhane (Süleymaniye), Limni Lake Nature Park, Kov Castle (Esenyurt Village) and İmera Monastery.

What should I eat in Gümüşhane Merkez?

Siron (Gümüşhane Mantısı), Pestil, Köme and Etli Ekmek are the standout foods on Gümüşhane Merkez's tables.

What is Gümüşhane Merkez famous for?

Gümüşhane Merkez is known for Gümüşhane Pestili and its silver mining heritage. Pestil made from mulberry or grape juice is a protected geographical indication product of Gümüşhane, and has been produced by traditional methods for centuries.

How do I get to Gümüşhane Merkez?

Gümüşhane is 100 km from Trabzon and 200 km from Erzurum. It lies on the Trabzon–Erzurum road (E97). Trabzon Airport is about 110 km away.

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