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If you have done the things to do in Turkey, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Divrigi.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and cradled by the winding Karasu River, Divrigi is a hidden gem that beckons the adventurous traveler with its awe-inspiring ancient structures, vibrant bazaars, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Whether you seek to unravel the secrets of the historic Great Mosque and Hospital or indulge in the equally enthralling art of people-watching in the bustling city center, Divrigi promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you mesmerized for years to come.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Divrigi:
1. Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği
The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği is a remarkable example of Islamic architecture located in the town of Divriği, eastern Turkey.
It was built in the 13th century and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see or do: The complex of the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği consists of two main buildings – the mosque and the hospital, as well as a kitchen, an ornate portal, and a domed fountain.
The intricate stone carvings, ornate decorations, and unique architecture of the buildings make it a must-see attraction for travelers interested in history, art, and culture.
Don’t miss: Be sure not to miss the stunning tile work and intricate carvings in the interior and exterior of the buildings.
Pay special attention to the portal, which features a depiction of a stylized Islamic paradise with a tree of life and animals.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh sunrays.
2. Çaltılar Village and Waterfalls
Çaltılar Village and Waterfalls is a picturesque rural getaway located in Divrigi, a district of Sivas province in Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the idyllic Çaltılar Village, with its charming cobblestone streets and traditional houses made of wood and stone.
The village is surrounded by lush greenery and boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: Be sure to explore the nearby countryside, where you’ll find scenic hiking trails and beautiful picnic spots.
The area is also home to several historic landmarks, including the famous Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the summer months to fully experience the natural beauty of Çaltılar Village and Waterfalls. Be prepared for moderate hiking if you plan to explore the surrounding countryside.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities in this stunning rural area.
3. Hazar Lake
Hazar Lake is a serene high-altitude lake situated near the town of Divrigi in Turkey.
What to see or do: Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lake surrounded by mountains and pine trees. You can also take a peaceful boat ride on the lake.
Enjoy fishing and picnic with your family and friends.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the beautiful sunrise over the lake. It’s truly a breathtaking sight.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit is between June and September, when the weather is warm and dry. Bring your own food and drink as there are no restaurants near the lake.
You can also hike around the lake or explore nearby historical sites such as Divrigi Great Mosque and the Hospital.
4. Süleyman Bey Valley
A scenic valley located in the town of Divrigi in Sivas province, Turkey.
What to see or do: Enjoy the stunning views of the valley with its lush greenery and flowing river. Hike along the hiking trails and explore the surrounding nature.
Visit the nearby historic Divrigi Ulu Mosque and Hospital Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to take a dip in the cool waters of the river on a hot summer day. Also, make sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenery.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit the valley during the spring or summer months to fully experience its beauty. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and bring plenty of water with you.
Consider visiting the nearby historic sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
5. Karagöl Plateau
Karagöl Plateau is a beautiful natural reserve located in the highlands of Divrigi in Sivas Province, Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of the plateau, which is surrounded by dense forests and has a serene lake in the center.
The area is perfect for hiking, camping, and picnicking.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Karagöl, where you can swim or rent a small boat to paddle around the lake.
Also, be sure to explore the nearby Sultan Sazlığı National Park, which is home to unique flora and fauna.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Karagöl Plateau during the summer months when the weather is mild and the flora is in full bloom.
If you plan to camp, bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop at night. Additionally, it’s recommended to bring your own food and water as there are limited options available on the plateau.
Lastly, be sure to bring insect repellent as mosquitoes are common in the area.
6. Hüseyin Gazi Tomb
Hüseyin Gazi Tomb is a historical tomb located in the city of Divrigi in Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings of the tomb. The tomb is an excellent representation of the Seljuk architecture from the 12th century.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the incredible details on the walls and intricate carvings throughout the tomb. Pay attention to the vibrant patterns adorning the exterior – they are not often seen in other Seljuk structures.
Insider travel tips: Keep in mind that the tomb is a religious site, so visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.
Additionally, it’s best to visit the tomb during the early morning or later afternoon to avoid crowds and the mid-day heat.
7. Kaplıca Hot Springs
Kaplıca Hot Springs is a natural thermal spring located in Divrigi, a rural town in central Turkey. It’s a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking its healing properties.
What to see or do: Visitors can indulge in the hot spring’s therapeutic waters, which contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, nitrate, and bicarbonate, believed to have healing properties that can ease various medical conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and skin problems.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to explore the surrounding area, which is rich in history and culture.
The nearby Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is hailed as one of the most significant examples of Islamic architecture in Turkey.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to visit Kaplıca Hot Springs during the weekdays to avoid its busy crowds on weekends.
Though there’s no fee to enter the hot springs, it’s customary to leave a tip for the caretakers who maintain the facilities.
Visitors are also reminded to bring their own towels and drinks since there are no cafes or vendors around the area.
8. Mahperi Hatun Tomb
Mahperi Hatun Tomb is located in Divrigi, Turkey and is a mausoleum built in the 13th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the intricate carvings and elaborate decorations of the tomb, which boasts exquisite examples of Seljuk architecture.
Don’t miss: Be sure not to miss the stunning interior of the tomb, which is filled with beautiful stone carvings and intricate details.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning a visit to Mahperi Hatun Tomb, it’s worth exploring the rest of Divrigi as well – the town is home to a number of other historic sites and cultural landmarks, including the Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital Complex.
9. Kale Mosque
A UNESCO World Heritage site located in the town of Divrigi in eastern Turkey, featuring a 13th-century mosque and hospital.
What to see or do: Marvel at the intricate architectural details of the mosque, including the stunning portal of the main entrance and the wooden ceiling inside.
Explore the adjoining hospital, which was at the forefront of medical advancements during its time.
Don’t miss: The carvings and sculptures that adorn the exterior of the mosque, depicting various motifs from Islamic and Seljuk traditions.
Insider travel tips: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere.
Pair your trip to the Kale Mosque with a visit to the nearby Ulu Mosque and Tomb complex for a comprehensive cultural experience.
Consider hiring a local guide to fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the site.
10. Çaltılar Art Village
Çaltılar Art Village is a unique creative space nestled in the peaceful town of Divrigi in Turkey.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the many art studios that are scattered throughout the village and interact with local artists.
There are also various workshops and classes offered, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in traditional Turkish art forms such as Ebru (marbling) and woodblock printing.
Don’t miss: The village is also home to a quaint café serving traditional Turkish cuisine, and a small shop where visitors can purchase locally-made handicrafts and souvenirs.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning a visit, make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes as the village is spread out over a large area with many slopes and steps.
Also, make sure to check the calendar for any upcoming art events or exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
11. Yunus Emre Mosque
The Yunus Emre Mosque is a historic mosque located in the town of Divrigi, Turkey. It is an important example of Islamic architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see or do: Visitors to Yunus Emre Mosque can admire the beautiful stone carvings and intricate details of the architecture. Inside the mosque, there are stunning examples of Islamic calligraphy and a peaceful atmosphere for prayer or reflection.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a closer look at the mosque’s impressive portal, which is decorated with intricate carvings of animals and human figures.
The mihrab (a niche in the mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca) is also a must-see, as it is exceptionally well-preserved.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in history and architecture, consider hiring a guide to take you around the site and provide additional context.
It’s also worth noting that while the mosque is open to visitors year-round, it can get quite busy during peak tourist season.
To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the day.
12. Ulu Mosque
Ulu Mosque is a historical mosque located in the town of Divrigi, in the Sivas Province of Turkey. It is a masterpiece of medieval Islamic architecture and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the intricate decorations and carvings found throughout the mosque, including the stone reliefs and notable mihrab, a niche in the wall that points towards Mecca where Muslims pray towards.
Don’t miss: The mosque’s grand entrance is a perfect example of Seljuk stone carving. You can also admire the unique and impressive calligraphy on the walls, showcasing artistic and engineering expertise of the time.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit in the early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
13. Divriği Castle
Divriği Castle is a medieval castle located on a hilltop overlooking the town of Divriği in the Sivas Province of Turkey.
The castle has historical and cultural significance and is a popular tourist destination.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s ruins and admire its architecture, which dates back to the 12th century. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the town of Divriği.
Don’t miss: The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are located in the town of Divriği, should not be missed.
The mosque and hospital complex are considered masterpieces of Islamic art and architecture.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit the castle and the town of Divriği during the summer months when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for walking around the castle’s ruins and bring water and snacks as there are no facilities within the castle itself.
14. Çayıralan Plateau
Çayıralan Plateau is a vast highland plain situated near the town of Divrigi in the Sivas province of Turkey.
What to see or do: The plateau offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. The stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys is simply breathtaking.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss a chance to witness the unique and picturesque local way of life on the plateau. You can also find several restaurants serving traditional local dishes that you shouldn’t miss.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the plateau is during the summer months when the weather is mild, and the scenic beauty is at its peak.
However, be prepared for sudden weather changes, as the plateau is known for having unpredictable weather. You should also consider renting a car to explore the stunning countryside around the plateau.