Kastamonu Guide

Located in the Western Black Sea region, Kastamonu is a unique city in the Black Sea, worth visiting with its rich history, lush nature, mansions, castle, inns, and crystal-clear sea.

Kastamonu is one of the oldest cities in Anatolia. Therefore, it is home to numerous artifacts from the Ancient Ages and the Turkish era. Most of these artifacts have survived to this day. As soon as you enter the city, you are greeted by a Byzantine Tower dating back to the 12th century. The city has everything you could want, from its clock tower, mosques, tombs, white snowy mountains for winter sports enthusiasts, to its pristine blue sea for those who prefer the sun and sea in the summer.

Kastamonu’s known history dates back to the Hittites. The city houses ancient cities such as Pompeipolis (Taşköprü), Kytoron, Aigialos, and Abonou-ionopolis (İnebolu). After the Hittites, the city was under the rule of the Persians, Phrygians, and Lydians. From the 1st century BC, it came under Roman control and remained part of the Roman Empire for many years. After the Romans, the city was ruled by the Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans in succession.

After passing into Turkish hands, Kastamonu has never been under enemy occupation. Due to its safety, it played a key role in the War of Independence, with the most weapons and ammunition being sent to Ankara from here. Kastamonu also provided the most martyrs during the Gallipoli Campaign. In fact, the famous Turkish folk song “Çanakkale Türküsü” belongs to a Kastamonu native. One of the most significant historical events in the city is that Atatürk conducted the 1925 Hat Revolution in Kastamonu.

Kastamonu has a typical Black Sea climate. It is one of the country’s richest regions in terms of forested areas. While agricultural land is limited, the soil is generally suitable for farming. The primary sources of income for the people are agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, and tourism.

Kastamonu is a city you can visit for vacation both in summer and winter. Thanks to its location in the western part of the Black Sea, it is also very close to major cities. It’s perfect for weekend getaways.

Kastamonu hotels are generally located in or near the city center. They are open year-round and offer bed and breakfast services. Whether you are traveling for cultural and tourist purposes or business meetings, you can choose the hotels in the city center for special events and gatherings as well.