RoutesSeljuk Architecture & the Mimar Sinan Trail
Seljuk Architecture &the Mimar Sinan Trail
Witness the stonework of Kayseri, one of the great cities of the Anatolian Seljuks, then follow a cultural journey from the Gevher Nesibe Hospital and Döner Kümbet to Ağırnas, the village where Mimar Sinan was born and raised.
Start the Route- Estimated timeFull day (6–7 hours)
- Total distance~65 km(Return trip by car)
- DifficultyEasy / Moderate(Short walks in Ağırnas)
- Getting aroundCar / Rental car / Transfer
- Photo spotsThe reliefs of Döner Kümbet, the light dome of Gevher Nesibe, the stone houses of Ağırnas
Route Map
- 1Gevher Nesibe Hospital (Seljuk Civilisation Museum)
- 2Döner Kümbet (Tomb of Şah Cihan Hatun)
- 3Ağırnas Village, Mimar Sinan House & Underground City
Route Plan
1. Gevher Nesibe Hospital (Seljuk Civilisation Museum)An 800-year-old building regarded as one of the world's first medical schools and hospitals. See the rooms where patients were treated with the sound of water and music, and the displays on Seljuk medicine.
Photo tip: The dragon-carved portal at the entrance and the light dome in the inner courtyard.
2. Döner Kümbet (Tomb of Şah Cihan Hatun)A masterpiece of Seljuk stonework: a twelve-sided tomb. Look for the tree of life and double-headed eagle reliefs on its outer walls.
Food stopTry a local dish from Kayseri cuisine.
3. Ağırnas Village, Mimar Sinan House & Underground CityArrive in Ağırnas, about 30 km from the centre. Visit the stone house where Mimar Sinan was born, with its vaulted tunnels and underground rooms, then explore the Ağırnas Underground City.
Best Photo Spots
Gevher Nesibe HospitalPortal and courtyard
Döner KümbetStone reliefs
Stone Houses of AğırnasHistoric streets
Food Stop on the Route
Develi Cıvıklısı & Fırın Ağzı StopBefore heading to Ağırnas, stop for fırın ağzı from the stone oven or a crispy Develi cıvıklısı (pide).
Good to Know
- Getting there
Ağırnas is about 35–40 minutes by car from the centre.
- Underground city
The Ağırnas Underground City has narrow, low passages — wear shoes you can move in easily.
- Season
Open all year; the Ağırnas valley is at its most beautiful in spring.
In the footsteps of history to Ağırnas
