Traditional Safranbolu Houses

Safranbolu town is located in the Black Sea region, in northwestern Turkey. This small town is famous for its Traditional Safranbolu Houses all over Turkey. These traditional and very famous Safranbolu Houses were included in the Unesco World Heritage List on December 17, 1994.

Safranbolu houses, which are among the “20 best-preserved historical cities” by Unesco, are the best examples of the period with their modest structure and traditional Turkish architecture. Safranbolu also dazzles with other monumental works, where you can see the reflections of Ottoman architecture on culture and daily life. Other structures worth seeing in this small town; Hamam, Mosque, inn, and Ottoman fountains.

When we look completely, Safranbolu houses and other architectural works resemble an open-air museum. Safranbolu houses, one of the rare works of Ottoman civil architecture that have survived to the present day, are dated to the 17th – 18th centuries. In addition to defying years, Safranbolu houses stand out with their magnificent wooden workmanship too.

Some of the 2000 Houses are now open to tourists as a museum. In addition, some houses are still undergoing restoration work, and in some, the locals continue to live. During the Ottoman period, the city and its architecture were enriched due to Silk Road passing through Safranbolu, and the locals have divided their houses into two; summer and winter houses.

While the winter houses are located in the valley near the river, the summer houses were built at an altitude of about 350 meters and at a 4 km distance from the winter houses. The region where the winter houses are located is also the trade area in the city. Blacksmiths, leather shops, coppersmiths, shoemakers, and others are located here. On the other hand, Summer houses were built in a way to have a more comfortable life between vineyards and gardens.

The name of Safranbolu city comes from the flower of Saffron. The best quality saffron known in Anatolia is grown in Safranbolu. The Saffron flower is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Its usage area is quite wide; food, medicine, and cosmetics. Turkish delight with saffron, saffron tea, saffron rice, saffron cologne, and saffron soaps are indispensable for those who want to taste local flavors or buy gifts while taking time in Safranbolu.

Why Visit to Safranbolu Town?

It is the most well-preserved town where you may explore Ottoman Traditional Houses!
One of the best places that show the local & traditional life of Turkish People!
Might be the best place where you can find Saffron and taste it!
It is one of the Unesco World Heritage Site which was included in the list in 1994.

How to Go to Safranbolu Houses?

Highway transportation to Safranbolu is quite easy. Although it is not a big city, its roads are quite wide and new. There are busses from Istanbul and Ankara. And, it is 5 hours from Istanbul and approximately 2.5 hours from Ankara. In addition, there are no Airports in Safranbolu or nearby where you may take a flight.

Final Thoughts

Safranbolu Village/Town is one of the best options where you may feel the local life & local tastes. In addition, it is the best place where you may see Ottoman Style Traditional Houses. If you have enough time during your Tour to Turkey and if you are a natural life lover, Safranbolu worths a visit! To plan better Turkey Tours, you may keep reading our blog post about the famous Touristic destinations of Turkey; Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and many more!

If you like our posts, do not forget to share it with your friends!