4 places to visit in the Sulusaray district of Tokat: Sebastopolis Ancient City, Sulusaray Hot Springs and Roman Bath Remains. Plan your trip to Sulusaray with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Sulusaray is a district 69 km from Tokat city centre. It was a town attached to Artova on 31 December 1986 and became a district on 20 May 1990. Sebastopolis, one of the largest cities of the Roman period, is located here.
The district covers an area of 266 km², and the average elevation of the district centre above sea level is 1,036 metres. The district has a natural thermal spring. Göktepe is a volcanic hill, and the hot springs get their water from the depths of this hill.
The ancient city of Sebastopolis was first brought to light by small-scale excavations in the 1980s. The excavated parts of the ancient city serve the public as an open-air museum.
Sugar beet and wheat are grown in the district as agricultural products. The people also keep livestock.
The ancient city of Sebastopolis began to be uncovered by small-scale excavations in the 1980s. Many of the important finds from the excavations were sent elsewhere. Evliya Çelebi noted in his travel book that the climate and people here were mild.
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Founded in the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, the ancient city lies beneath Sulusaray. Excavations have revealed Roman bath remains, mosaics and column capitals. The ancient city's thermal springs have been in use since Roman times.
View on mapThermal springs known since Roman times contain mineral water at 45–65°C. The springs are considered beneficial for rheumatism, skin conditions and respiratory ailments, and are an important centre for health tourism.
View on mapRoman-period bath remains belonging to the ancient city of Sebastopolis lie near the thermal springs. The mosaic floors and remains of the heating system show examples of Roman engineering.
View on mapGöktepe in Sulusaray is a volcanic hill; the water of the hot springs comes from deep beneath this hill.
View on mapWhile you are in Sulusaray, you can also see the highlights of Tokat province. These places are in other districts; Sulusaray is about 68 km from the provincial centre.
Cracked wheat and lamb cooked slowly for a long time, an essential dish at special occasions in Sulusaray.
Tarhana, made by mixing yoghurt, tomato and wheat flour and drying the mixture, is the soup most eaten during the winter months.
Sulusaray has been known for its thermal springs since Roman times. The thermal tradition of the ancient city of Sebastopolis is still carried on today through spa tourism.
Sulusaray's economy consists of farming, livestock and thermal tourism. The hot springs attract visitors in every season. Wheat and barley are the main crops. Small livestock farming is also an important source of income.
Sulusaray is 68 km from Tokat city centre. Access is by road, and regular minibus services run from Tokat.
The top 4 places in Sulusaray are Sebastopolis Ancient City, Sulusaray Hot Springs, Roman Bath Remains and Göktepe.
Keşkek and Tarhana Çorbası are the standout dishes on Sulusaray's tables.
Sulusaray is known for its Thermal Spring Water and its Ancient Thermal Culture. Mineral water from the district's thermal springs is bottled and sold.
Sulusaray is 68 km from Tokat city centre. Access is by road, and regular minibus services run from Tokat.
Recommended visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: all year round (the hot springs are suitable in every season).