Rock Tombs of the Pontus Kings

While Amasya welcomes visitors in all four seasons, April–May and September–October are the most comfortable options in terms of both weather conditions and crowd levels. In spring, the blooming valley landscape combined with the dramatic silhouette of the tombs creates a breathtaking scene. In summer, temperatures can be quite oppressive during midday; choosing early mornings or late afternoons during this season provides both a more pleasant climb and better light conditions. Winter visits can offer an interesting experience for those seeking a tranquil atmosphere; however, it is important to consider that rocky paths can become slippery in rainy weather.

The tombs are located just north of Amasya city center, on the slopes of Mount Harşena, across the Yeşilırmak River. It is possible to reach them on foot from the city center; by crossing the bridge from the coastline where the Yalıboyu Houses are located and following the signs, you can easily reach the start of the climbing path. The stairs carved into the rock along the slope will lead you directly to the tomb platform. For those coming by car, there is limited parking available nearby. City minibuses and taxis also serve central points. For those coming to Amasya from further away, the most practical transportation is by intercity bus via the bus terminal or by flight via Amasya Merzifon Airport.

The Rock Tombs of the Pontus Kings offer one of Amasya's most iconic photo frames. Wide-angle shots taken from the Yeşilırmak riverbank, especially near the historic bridges, allow you to combine the tombs, Mount Harşena, and the Ottoman Yalıboyu houses lined below in a single frame. The hours around sunset, when the rocks turn golden, are ideal for long exposure experiments. The platform directly in front of the tombs offers a commanding view of the city and the Yeşilırmak valley; panoramic shots taken from here yield very impressive results. When the night lighting is on, the river reflections also create a separate photo opportunity.

For a one-day itinerary combining the tombs with other historical sites in Amasya, you can start your walk along the Yalıboyu Houses early in the morning. Then climb to the Rock Tombs of the Pontus Kings; the morning light illuminates the tomb facades with a soft tone at this hour. Descend from the tombs and visit the Amasya Museum; examining artifacts from the Pontus period here will help you understand what you saw at the tombs. In the afternoon, you can climb to Amasya Castle, and in the evening, you can taste Amasya's famous apple products at restaurants and cafes along the river. Don't forget to return to the riverbank to watch the river reflections when the tombs are lit up at night.

Amasya's most famous flavor is apple and products made from apples; apple wine, apple vinegar, and apple tea can be found almost everywhere in the city. In restaurants along the Yeşilırmak, river fish such as fresh trout and carp are also among the prominent delicacies. Small cafes and eateries around the Yalıboyu Houses serve as suitable resting points before or after the climb. In the city's historic bazaar, you can find Amasya pastrami and local cheese varieties. If your visit coincides with lunchtime, lunch at a restaurant with a river view will be a pleasant break.

Since you need to climb a rocky and steep slope to reach the tombs, it is important to choose comfortable, non-slip shoes. Paths can become slippery in rainy weather; extra caution should be exercised on such days. Carrying water with you during the climb becomes essential, especially in summer. As Müzekart is not valid in this area, it is recommended to have cash or an alternative payment method ready. When visiting with children, attention should be paid to platform edge safety, and young visitors should be supervised. If you are carrying photography equipment, make sure to distribute the weight in your bag evenly during the climb.

The Kingdom of Pontus was founded in 301 BC by Mithridates I Ktistes in the city of Amaseia, where modern-day Amasya is located. This kingdom, extending from the Black Sea coasts to inner Anatolia, maintained its existence for approximately three centuries as one of the important powers of the Hellenistic period. The rock tombs carved into the southern slope of Mount Harşena are believed to belong to the first five rulers of the kingdom; Mithridates Ktistes, Ariobarzanes, and Pharnaces I are among these names. The tombs consist of U-shaped chambers and platforms separated from the main rock by galleries. With the Romans taking control of the region in 26 BC, the Kingdom of Pontus came to an end; however, the tombs have continued to carry the memory of Amasya ever since.