Kastomonu: An Urban Settlement with a Colorful Past
Kastamonu is a densely populated city in north-central Turkey. Despite the progress that this city is experiencing, it still managed to preserve many of its historic sites, giving this place a charming antiquated vibe. Walking to this town would introduce you to century-old castles and mosques that stand proudly among modern buildings. The Kastamonu Airport(KFS), which services this city, is just 10 miles away from the center.
Best Time to Visit
Many tourists who intend to do ice sports at the nearby Ilgaz National Park tend to book Kastamonu hotels during the winter, making this location a bit crowded during this time.
What to Do & Area Attractions
One of the most appealing sites that this city has is the 12th century Byzantine Kastamonu Castle. It has an elevation of 860 feet so if you climb to the top, you can see the whole town. A mesmerizing collection of archeological finds is featured on the Kastamonu Museum so be sure to drop by there as well. Staying at one of Kastamonu hotel accommodations will transport you back in time since many of them are restored structures that date back centuries ago. For instance, the Kastamonu Kadioğlu Konaği is a 150-year old castle that has been restored to serve as a hotel. True to its rich history, this lodging still features a traditional Ottoman design. The Kursunluhan Hotel is also a refined boutique hotel that used to be a 16th-century courtyard for travelers.