Places to Visit in Kars

Kars, TurkeyLocated in the east of and hosting many civilizations throughout history, it is a city that attracts attention with its rich cultural and natural heritage. For travel lovers, Kars offers a different beauty in every season. This article will present a wide list of must-see destinations in Kars, including historical places, parks, museums and churches.

Ani Ruins

Ani Ruins, is one of the most well-known historical sites in Kars. An important trade center in the Middle Ages, Ani is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, many historical structures can be explored, such as the Ani Cathedral, Surp Stephanos Church and St. Gregory Church. Ani is also known as the City of 1001 Churches and is located on the Armenian border.

Kars Castle

Kars Castle, is one of the symbols of the city. Built in the 12th century, this castle rises on the edge of the Kars River and offers panoramic views of the city. Watching the city view from the castle offers a fascinating experience, especially at sunset.

Catherine Palace

Catherine Palace, is an impressive structure from the Tsarist Russian period located in Sarıkamış. Built for Catherine, the wife of Tsar Nicholas II, the palace is a fine example of Russian architecture. Surrounded by forests, the palace is an interesting destination for nature and history enthusiasts.

Fethiye Mosque

Fethiye MosqueBuilt as a church in the 19th century and later converted into a mosque, this structure bears traces of Byzantine and Russian architecture and bears witness to the multicultural history of Kars.

Sarıkamış Ski Resort

Sarıkamış Ski Resort, is known as one of the best ski resorts in Turkey. Its crystal snow structure and slopes surrounded by pine forests are an ideal place for winter sports enthusiasts. There are slopes of various difficulty levels for both professionals and amateur skiers.

Kars Museum

Kars Museum, is an ideal stop for those who want to explore the history and culture of the city. The museum, which houses many artifacts dating from the Paleolithic period to the Ottoman period, has both archaeology and ethnography sections. The museum sheds light on the rich history of Kars and its surroundings.

Stone bridge

Stone bridge, is a historical bridge built in 1579, located on the Kars River. A beautiful example of Ottoman architecture, this bridge is an important stop for those who want to explore the historical texture of Kars.

Akyaka Train Station

Akyaka Train Station, is a historical structure that served as the gateway to the Caucasus during the Ottoman period. Built in 1899, this station is an impressive place to visit for history enthusiasts.

Kuyucuk Bird Sanctuary

Kuyucuk Bird Sanctuary, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. Located approximately 40 km from Kars city center, this natural wonder is one of the stopping points for migratory birds and one of the most important wetlands in Turkey.

Church of the Apostles (Kümbet Mosque)

Church of the ApostlesIt was built in the 10th century and was converted into a mosque over time. Today, Kumbet Mosque This structure, known as the 'Kingdom of Kars', is an important historical monument reflecting the cosmopolitan past of Kars. It bears the characteristics of Byzantine and Georgian architecture.

Lake Çıldır

Lake Çıldır, Kars and Ardahan It is a lake located between the provinces and completely frozen in winter, where horse-drawn sleigh rides can be made. In summer, it is an ideal place for fishing and nature walks. The lake area also offers a very suitable area for those who want to camp.

Abu'l Menuchehr Mosque

Abu'l Menuchehr Mosque, is located in the Ani Ruins and is known as the first Turkish mosque built in Anatolia. A beautiful example of Seljuk architecture, this mosque was built in 1072. Visitors can enjoy an impressive view of the region from the mosque's minaret.

Devil's Castle

Devil's Castle, is a medieval castle built on steep cliffs near Çıldır Lake. It takes a short walk to reach the castle and the view is worth all the fatigue. It is an interesting destination for those looking for nature walks and adventure.

Boğatepe Village Cheese Museum

Boğatepe Village Cheese Museum, is a museum that introduces the history and production processes of cheeses specific to Kars. Located in Boğatepe Village, this museum is an interesting stop especially for gourmets and gastronomy enthusiasts. Here you can taste local cheeses such as Kars gruyere and get information about the production processes.

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, is a bridge built over the Kars River in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire. This stone bridge stands out as one of the historical structures of Kars and is a beautiful spot to explore while walking in the city.

Hamamlı Village and Thermal Springs

Hamamli Village, is a village located approximately 60 km from the center of Kars and is famous for its thermal waters. The hot springs are known for their healing waters thought to be good for rheumatic diseases. This village, which is preferred for health tourism, also offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.

Susuz Waterfall

Susuz Waterfall, is located in the Susuz district of Kars and is one of the most impressive natural beauties of the region. The waterfall, which flows from a high cliff, is an ideal place for those who want to hike and have a picnic. It also offers a wonderful view for photography enthusiasts.

İshak Pasha Palace

Although Ishak Pasha Palace is not located within the borders of Kars, PainLocated in the Doğubayazıt district of Kars, this palace is an essential part of any trip to Kars. A unique example of Ottoman architecture, this palace was built in the 18th century and fascinates visitors with its rich decorations, large courtyard and historical atmosphere.

Ani Cathedral

Ani Cathedral, is another important structure located in the Ani Ruins. Built in the 10th century, this cathedral is an impressive example of Armenian architecture. Standing for centuries, this structure sheds light on Ani's religious and cultural history.

Tigran Honents Church

Tigran Honents Church, is one of the best preserved churches in the Ani Ruins. Built in the 13th century, this church is famous for the frescoes on its interior walls. These frescoes are considered to be among the finest examples of Armenian art and reflect the religious and artistic richness of Ani.

Kars is a unique destination for travel lovers with its historical riches, natural beauties and cultural diversity. There are many historical buildings, natural wonders and cultural venues in the city, each of which tells its own story. You can enjoy the beauties that Kars has to offer by exploring many different spots, from Ani Ruins to Susuz Waterfall, from Çıldır Lake to Boğatepe Village Cheese Museum.

This comprehensive travel guide will be a guide for those who want to get to know the history, culture and nature of Kars. Kars should definitely be on the travel lovers' route as an ideal destination for both winter tourism and cultural trips.