Natural Beauties and Historical Sites: Konya Travel Guide

Must-visit places in Konya and the mystical atmosphere of this city will make you feel like you are in a completely different realm. Having been home to many many civilizations throughout its long history, Konya is a city that is famous for its natural beauties. Konya, the largest city in Türkiye, is also one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia.

 

 

 

Konya stands out as a religious and cultural tourist attraction as it was home to numerous civilizations from Hittites to Ottomans and served as the capital of the Seljuq Empire, and it has a unique urban architecture. If you are planning to visit this historical city, which is packed with historical artifacts, then the list of must-visit places in Konya can help you. 

 

 

 

Mevlana Museum and Tomb

Mevlana Museum and Tomb, one of the oldest and well-established museums in Türkiye, was opened in 1926. In addition to the tomb of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, this museum is also home to the mausoleums of Hurrem Pasha, Fatma Hatun and Hasan Pasha. 

 

 

Mevlana's tomb stands out as the most gorgeous and precious piece in the museum with its striking geometric patterns. It was made in 1276, and it is one of the must-see pieces in the museum. You can also see the manuscripts, oil lamps and other ancient pieces from the Ottoman Empire, Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate and Karamanogullari State in the museum. The museum is open 7 days a week from 09.00-17.30, and the entry is free of charge.

 

 

Alaeddin Hill

Alaeddin Hill is located nearby the city center of Konya, and it is included in the must-visit places in Konya for its precious structures and the fantastic city view it offers. Here, you can visit Alaeddin Mosque, Tomb of Sultans, Alaeddin Fountain and kumbets.   

 

 

Ince Minareli Madrasah 

Ince Minareli Madrasah, another must-visit place in Konya, was built in 1254 and represents the pinnacle of Seljuk stonework. Served as a place where religious education was held until the 19th century, it stands out with its classrooms, tiled architecture and magnificent dome. 

 

 

The building, which today serves as the "Stone Artifacts Museum", is decorated with spectacular reliefs and ornaments. Ince Minareli Madrasah is open from 10.00 to 18.00 on Mondays and from 08.00 to 18.00 on other days.

 

 

 

 

Karatay Museum

Karatay Madrasah was built by the Seljuk Sultan Celaleddin Karatay in 1251, and it has been serving as a museum since 1955. Standing out with the spectacular wooden and stone architecture of its time, the Madrasah is also called "Museum of Tile Works". 

 

 

Atatürk's House Museum

Atatürk's House Museum was built as a two-storey house in 1912, and presented as a gift to Atatürk on July 19, 1928. With its title deed saying "It is a gift to the President Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasa from the people of Konya.", the museum is located on Atatürk Street. The building served as the "Governor's Residence" from 1940 and 1963, and opened to visit in 1964 under the name "Atatürk's House-Culture Museum". The museum was restored and then reopened to visit in 1981. The museum, which underwent restoration again in 2001 and 2003, attracts a great deal of attention of visitors with the belongings of Atatürk being exhibited.

 

Selimiye Mosque 

Selimiye Mosque, the construction of which started in 1558 and finished in 1570, was built by Sultan Selim II. The mosque, which is believed to have been built by Mimar Sinan, has a classical architecture. Selimiye Mosque is located in Karatay, Konya, and it is one of the most visited places in Konya. 

 

 

Sille Observation Hill

Sille Observation Hill, also known as "Seljuk Observation Hill", is a destination to take beautiful photos as it offers a panoramic view of the Neighborhood of Sille. Sille Hill was flooded by visitors after it was opened to visit in July 2021, and it can be included in the list of must-visit places in Konya for its restaurants, rose gardens, sports fields and walking trails.   

 

 

Meram Vineyards

For those who want to know where to go in Konya, Meram Vineyards tops the list of must-visit places. Meram Vineyards is one of the most popular places in Konya, and it is located in Meram district of Konya. You can enjoy cycling, canoeing, etc. or take beautiful souvenir photographs in Meram Vineyards, which is famous for restaurants, cafes, picnic sites and walking trails located by Meram Stream. 

 

Ancient City of Kilistra and Rock Tombs

With a rich history and archaeological ruins, Konya is home to numerous historical sites to visit. The Ancient City of Kilistra is one these historical sites, and it is only 55 kilometers away from Konya. Here, the rock-carved churches and temples, wall paintings, watchtowers and ceramic workshops attract visitors.   

 

 

Karapinar Desert

Karapinar Desert, the only desert in Türkiye, is located in Karapınar district, which is 2.5 hours away from the center of Konya. The extremely tall sand dunes in the desert, which covers an area of 4 thousand hectares, offer a visual feast. You can go on a desert safari and take beautiful photos in this fantastic natural environment, and collect unforgettable memories. Our article A Journey Packed With History: Discover the Ancient City of Petra! offers an experience that you can't get enough of discovering.