GIRESUN TURKEY

Giresun

Giresun resemblesa museum hosting many historical artifacts in addition to unlimited naturalbeauties with its 122 km. of coastline, forested plateaus, and natural beaches.

The main aspect that proves Giresun suitablefor tourism is its rich natural, cultural and historical values. While the cityuses the advantages of the sea in terms of coastal tourism, there are manyother types of extracurricular activities, especially nature tourism, with itslakes, plateaus, historical buildings, and culture scattered among the endlessgreenery. Since the plateaus in Giresun are not far from thecity centers and the roads are asphalt, accessing the natural beauties is not aproblem.

The inland parts of Giresun areespecially attractive areas for those who observe flora and fauna,enjoy trekking, mountain biking or off-road sports. Those who want to getfresh air and walk through greenery can visit many plateaus such as Kümbet,Bektaş, Kulakkaya, and Mount Sis. If you make your visit in spring orsummer, you will have the chance to see colorful festivals.

Giresun Island (Aretias), whichis very close to the coast, adds a special value to Giresun becauseit is the only island in the Eastern Black Sea Region. The island is also thecenter of attention of visitors with its natural beauty, historical ruins, birdwatching areas, and cultural structure blended with mythological stories. TheBlue Lake, a natural wonder hidden among the forests and various kinds ofplants of Giresun, the Castle of Giresun with itsmagnificent view, and Zeytinlik District where the historical Giresun housesare located in the southeast of the castle are also worth seeing.

The city, which has hosted many civilizations, offersthe opportunity to travel through history with its castles, churches, andbridges. The Castle of Giresun in the center of the city andthe other historical remains in its districts such as Tirebolu Castle(Saint-Jean), Şebinkarahisar Castle, Espiye Andoz Castle, and Eynesil Castle areplaces worth seeing in terms of their natural beauty and history.

The cuisine of Giresun is also veryrich and widely acknowledged. Its flora and plant diversity has brought thediversity of vegetarian cuisine with it. Giresun, with itsmagnificent nature and more than 180 ´vegetarian´ flavors, is on its way tobecoming an alternative to major ´gastro tourism´ cities. Inour country, which is the most hazelnut producing in the world; the bestquality hazelnut grows in Giresun and is renowned as "GiresunQuality Hazelnut".

The Castle of Giresun

The castle is located on an ideal spot toobserve Giresun from a height, where green and blue convergewith each other. Having a rich historical culture, the Castle was built in thecenter of the city. There is a mausoleum of Topal Osman Aga, theHero of the War of Independence, in the Castle. Caves built with block stones,walls thought to belong to the Hellenistic Period and stone reliefs aresignificant marks to be seen. 

Giresun Island

The island is an important landmark that contains manymystical stories. Among these are epics such as "The Legend of Herculesand the Golden Fleece of the Argonats", "The Story of KingMithridates´ Daughter and Shepherd", "The Golden Statue ofJoseph" and "The Legend of Amazon Women". It is the only islandin the Eastern Black Sea region, which witnessed settlement in ancient timesand in the middle ages. There are medieval city walls and monastery ruins onthe island. The history of the island, based on archaeologicalfinds, goes back to 300 BC. Giresun Island is also animportant location for breeding and as the habitat for many bird species. Boattours are organized to the island during the summer months, and it is a centerof interest for local and foreign tourists.

Giresun Museum

The 250-year-old Orthodox church from the mid-19th centuryis used as a museum today. Among the works exhibited in the museum are ancientartifacts from the Old Bronze Age, Hittite, HellenisticRoman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods,stone reliefs, weapons, clothes, and coin samples used in ancient times.

Tirebolu Castle

Located in Tirebolu district center,the castle is constructed on a peninsula extending towards the sea. Inside thecastle, there is a small chapel called the Virgin Mary Church in the yearbooksand the remains of a small mosque. Many tombstones belonging to the Ottoman eraare scattered in the castle. Tirebolu Castle is one of themost beautiful historical artifacts of the region.

Şebinkarahisar Virgin Mary Monastery

The monastery belongs to the Byzantine period. It isestimated that the building, which is reminiscent of Trabzon Sumela Monastery,was built in a large hollow in the middle of a steep rock. The paintingsdecorate the walls of the thirty-two rooms that constitute the monastery. Thereis a church carved into the rocks at the top of the monastery.

Şebinkarahisar Castle

The historic castle is located in thedistrict center of Şebinkarahisar. It was built on a cliffoverlooking the city. The walls of the castle, which were erectedin the spacious area between the inner castle in the north and the Maiden´sTower, pass through steep cliffs. The castle is entered through a cut stonegateway that has remained intact to the present day on the city side. Thestrongest place of the castle is the inner castle. There are the foundations ofmany buildings in the castle, as well as cisterns descending with multi-stepstairs and some rock tombs. In some places, natural rocks were used as walls.

Giresun Zeytinlik District

Located in the city center of Giresun, theneighborhood built with materials imported from Europe about two centuries ago,the Zeytinlik houses where Greeks and Turks lived together foryears and are the subject of folk songs, let visitors travel through history.Today, there are 85 registered historical artifacts in this region with 4monumental and 81 civil architecture features. The district was called"Gogora District" at that time. Giresun Houses,which is located in the middle of Giresun settlement, where theGreeks resided in the past, stand out with their architectural features such astheir unique garden arrangements, doors, windows, and interior designs. In thehouses, which were built with imported materials brought by ships transportinghazelnuts to Europe, Marseille tiles and napi (Russian) stoves, which are verydifferent from today´s stoves, attract attention. According to the epigraphs,the houses built in the 1840s are positioned in such a waythat none of them affect the light, the view, and the air circulation of theothers.

Virgin Mary Bedrock Church

The church is in the form of a small cave carved intobedrock approximately 3 meters above the base on the west side of GiresunCastle, facing the harbor. It is estimated that this structure, which wasconsidered to be a smaller cave, was enlarged and converted into a church inthe 4th or 5th century AD. This cave, which is used as a church, is accessed bya single-arched small stone bridge built in the Ottoman Period. Onthe side of the church facing the courtyard, there is a canonic fountain as aholy spring where sailors could get water and which was also utilized by thosewho came to the church. 

According to some ancient sources, it is assumed thatthe architecture was formerly called "Panaia" or "SurpSerkis", that it was a three-story structure and that the holy water,attributed to the Virgin Mary, had healing powers. It is one of themost frequently visited cultural assets in Giresun.

The Wall of Hadji Abdullah

It is claimed to be the second-largest wall after theGreat Wall of China built for protection. It is known that the stone wall,which was commissioned by Hadji Abdullahzade and built byGreek workers in 1610, is 6.5 kilometers long and 1.5 meters high, had only onedoor, and survived for 404 years.

Çakrak Church and Bridge

One of the four churches built in Çakrak Villageafter the declaration of the Royal Edict of Reform; the "SecondChurch" is one of the Greek works in the region. The church and thearch bridge provide information about the past life of the Greeks in theregion. Although there is no inscription or period source that provides certaininformation about the construction date and the people who built it, thesimilarity of used materials indicates that the bridge was built in the secondhalf of the 19th century.

Children´s Library – Historical Catholic Church

The Catholic Church, which isestimated to have been built in the early 19th century, possesses traces ofGothic architecture and it started to be used as a Children´s Library in1967. The north facade of the church has a spectacular visual quality.

The Tomb of Seyyid Vakkas

Seyyid Vakkas is one of thefrontiersmen of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. He was martyred while tryingto open the doors of Giresun to the Ottoman armies and wasburied where he was martyred. In 1888, Rizeli Mehmet Ali Bey built thetomb, which is a typical Kümbet (cupola) of the19th-century Ottoman architecture, in place of the wooden visithall at that time.

Şebinkarahisar Taşhanlar (Historic Shopping Mall)

The historical building resembling a shoppingmall is located on the northern skirt of the castle in Şebinkarahisar districtcenter. It is made of local black stone with two floors, arches, andtypical Ottoman caravanserai architecture. The strongest sideof Şebinkarahisar Taşhanı that has survived until today is thesouthern facade., There are two-story arched spaceson both sides of theentrance and a courtyard in the middle. There are five arched spaces used asshops facing outwards on the north facade. The structure was built by TabanAhmet Ağa, Şebinkarahisar Head of Sipahi, in the 17thcentury.

Çamoluk Bektaş Bey Mosque

This old mosque is known to belong tothe Ottoman period and has model features in terms of woodwork and interiordecorations. The mosque, which is still actively used, exhibits abeauty worth seeing.

Kuzalan Natural Park

The nature park is 45 km from Giresun citycenter. The peaks in the park are Dikoluk Spring and Marazlı Hill,which are 1800 meters in altitude. Kuzalan Waterfalls andTravertines are home to various natural riches such as caves, monumental trees,historical mills, as well as many living species and a different ecosystem. 129plant species belonging to 60 different families and 105 bird species belongingto 36 families inhabit the nature park. Moreover, monasteries,castles, and arch bridges are among the historical beauties inside the park.With its touristic pensions, small resort-type hotels, and distinguishednatural scenery, it offers excursion and accommodation opportunities of rare beauty. Trekking,photo safari, bicycle safari, ATV, rock climbing, angling, bird watching canbe carried out in Kuzalan Nature Park.

Blue Lake

The Blue Lake is the only place inthe Eastern Black Sea Region where carbonated water flows like a stream. BlueLake turns turquoise in certain months. Composed of 3 large and smalllakes, the water of Blue Lake, which is also called "SodalıLake" - "Göğ Lake" among the locals, takes on a turquoisecolor with the effect of limestone and carbonated water.

Göksu Travertines

Göksu Travertines located in Giresun´s Dereli districtresemble a miniature Pamukkale with their turquoise and white colors and ponds.The travertines developed by the carbonated water that comes out of theunderground attract the attention of visitors. 

Yedi Değirmenler Natural Park

This natural park is 62 km from Giresun and28 km from Espiye district. The 1330 meter high Topkayabaşı Hill,which forms the eastern border of the 103-hectare Natural Park, isthe highest point of the natural park. The park takes its name from the300-year-old mills that the villagers still use. It is thought that the millswere also used in the Genoese period. Besides the mills, waterfalls, caves,underground waters that are rich in flora and fauna, as well as castles, archbridges are among the historical beauties integrated with the lush nature ofthe nature park. In addition, 102 bird species belonging to 36 families can beobserved in the park.

Şebinkarahisar Ataturk House and Museum

Atatürk House and Museum, whichwas used as the house where Atatürk stayed when he came to Şebinkarahisar onSeptember 12, 1924, is an unembellished two-story frame building in the verycenter of the district. In the Atatürk House and Museum, some itemsand local ethnographic artifacts that Atatürk used during hisstay are exhibited.

Kümbet Plateau

Among the most important tourism centers in Türkiyeand Giresun´s Dereli district, Kümbet Plateau dazzlesits visitors with its views. The plateau is spread over a wide area surroundedby lush forests and covered with meadows full of flowers. The plateau offerstouristic pensions, small resort-type hotels, trout and steak restaurants, anda rare beauty with its natural scenery. It is also the eco-tourism centerof Giresun.

Kulakkaya Plateau

The plateau, which is 40 km away from Giresun,has an altitude of 1700 m. It fascinates its visitors with its abundant oxygen,unique nature, and beauty. Despot Rock and Water on the way up to the plateau,Erimez Locality with natural beauties, and Gelin Rock are outstanding points ofinterest. 

Bektaş Plateau

This beautiful plateau is 60 km away from the centerof Giresun. There are many large nomad tents (oba) on the highlandroute. Compared to other highlands, Bektaş Plateau is famousfor its rural climate flora. It is built on a bare area on the slopes of YörücekHill, which is 2300 meters high, suitable for skiing. The BektaşTourism Center forms a whole together with the surrounding KulakkayaPlateau, the Melikli Obası Plateau, the KurttepeLocality, and the Lowland Picnic Area within the forest. Theweather is generally foggy during the rainy season, however the clouds thatcollapse into the natural wonder valleys that are formed when the weather isclear create incredibly beautiful views. 

Mount Sis Plateau

This plateau is situated in the border region of Giresunand Trabzon provinces. It is one of the extensions of the EasternBlack Sea mountain range. It has an altitude of 2182 meters. The plateau isconsiderably crowded during the summer months. There are many pathways suitablefor nature sports along the plateau route. It is one of the areas with richmountaineering activities in the region. “Mount Sis Festivals” isorganized on the 3rd Saturday of July every year.

Paşakonağı Plateau

Paşakonağı Plateau, which reveals all shadesof green, is located within the borders of Bulancak district. It is 1450 metersabove sea level. Paşakonağı Plateau is famous for its yellow,purple, and white azaleas (rhododendrons), deep valleys, and waterfalls inthese valleys. Natural beauties that can be appreciated in the plateauare Karasay Waterfall, Geçilmez Valley, ÇiğseliLake, and Kızılot Meadow.

Espiye Andoz Castle

It is a small castle located on a natural peakoverlooking the sea and the valley, on the edge of the Yağdere Stream atthe entrance of Espiye district. It is estimated that it wasbuilt in 1300 BC. Access to the castle is provided by the road to the north. Itis surrounded by walls. There are towers in some parts. The castle, on anatural hill, dominates both the sea and the valley inwards and towards Giresunand Trabzon. Therefore, it has held great importance throughout history. 

Eynesil Castle

The Castle is located on a rockypeninsula to the east of Eynesil and 2 km from the districtcenter. Current sources indicate that Eynesil Castle, which meetsthe blue of the sea, dates back to the Romans. The wall extending in theeast-west direction in the middle of the castle divides the castle into two. Inthe middle of the wall, an opening of about two meters gives access to thecastle on the seaside. There is a water cistern in the castle, and it ismentioned in old sources that there is a Church inside the castle. Thehistorical castle welcomes its visitors today with its old appearance.

Deliklitaş

Deliklitaş fascinates those whosee it, attracting attention with its natural formation on the coast of Görele districtof Giresun. Deliklitaş is remembered with many legends as well asits interesting appearance.

Gölyanı Nomadic Settlements

Gölyanı Nomadic Settlements includea natural lake in the form of a bowl, and the location is surrounded by pinetrees and houses made of a specific kind of timber called hartama, which iscompletely natural and unique to the region. Today it is a hidden andundiscovered paradise that offers a natural, healthy, and green side oftourism.

Şahin Cliff

This rocky and steep cliff is locatedin the district of Keşap. The plants that grow on rocks and treeshave gained a natural shape of the map of Türkiye with theirformation. There is a large cave in the middle of Şahin Cliff, whereit coincides with Ankara´s location, the capital of Türkiye.The map formed completely in a natural way, exactly fits the dimensions of themap of Türkiye. There are many large and small caves on the rockand it has been placed under protection as Şahin Cliff Natural Site.

Gelin Rock

Many legends are told about the overlapping of the twogiant rocks in Giresun, especially how the giant mass located belowcarried the rock over the centuries, with its stance on the curved groundwithout falling. According to the first legend, a beautiful young girl isforced to marry someone she did not like, and could not object to thissituation, so she sincerely prayed. The bride, who set out with a bridalprocession on the wedding day, wished to “turn into a stone and be frozen”instead of going to the man she did not want to marry while on horseback. Herwish came true on the spot according to this version of the legend.

On the other hand, the other legend tells that this isthe result of a strong prayer by a bride who could not get along with themother of the man she married and wished that "God, either fly me like abird or freeze me like a stone," in order not to return home. The road tothe Erimez, Kulakkaya, and Alçakbel Plateaus also pass by thislegendary rock.