Delikkaya Rock Tomb is an inaccessible monumental tomb consisting of three ancient, columned-entrance tomb chambers carved into a 40-meter-high cliff in Delikkaya village, 10 kilometers from Ordu city center.
Delikkaya Rock Tomb stands within the borders of Delikkaya village, 10 kilometers from Ordu city center, on the eastern side of the cliffs that give the village its name. There are three separate rock tombs here: one single-chambered and columnless, and two with pediments and double-columned entrances. All are carved directly into the rock.
The cliff where the tomb is located is approximately 40 meters high from the ground. Since it was built right in the middle of the steep cliff, it is not possible to go near it and enter the tomb chamber. Visits are made by viewing from below. The tradition of rock tombs is widespread in the region; the Tozkoparan and Kaleköy tombs near Ünye show similar craftsmanship. This suggests that the Ordu rock tombs are related to examples in the Paphlagonia region.
Visitors here are generally history enthusiasts or those planning to visit other rock tombs in the region (Sucuali, Dikenlice, Tozkoparan) in a single day. Delikkaya village itself is a quiet Black Sea village. The cliff that gives the tomb its name is a geographical landmark of the village.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Ordu historical places, İteniçi Recreation Area.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Since the cliff is in an open area, the ground becomes slippery on rainy days. Spring or autumn can be preferred. In summer, there is no obstacle other than heat and lack of shade. In winter, road conditions may change after snowfall, so it is useful to check the weather before entering the village road.
How to Get There
The distance from Ordu city center to Delikkaya village is 10 kilometers. It takes 15-20 minutes by private car. Public transport options are limited; going by taxi or your own vehicle is the most practical way. After entering the village, simply follow the signs directing you to the cliff.
Other Rock Tombs in the Vicinity
There are multiple rock tombs around Ordu and Ünye: Sucuali Rock Tomb, Dikenlice Rock Tombs, Tozkoparan Rock Tomb are some of them. It is possible to visit several of them consecutively in one day. For travelers interested in archaeology, this creates a route idea.
How Much Time to Allocate
Delikkaya Rock Tomb itself can be explored in 20-30 minutes. Since the tomb chamber cannot be entered, the visit mostly involves viewing from the outside and taking photos. If you plan to combine it with other tombs in the region, half a day is sufficient.
Route Suggestion
Starting from Ordu city center, you can first go to Delikkaya, then proceed towards Ünye to combine the Tozkoparan and Kaleköy rock tombs into a single itinerary. Boztepe and other stops in Ordu city center can be added before or after this route.
Things to Pay Attention To
The tomb chambers are at an inaccessible height; do not attempt to climb. The rocky ground is not stable. If you come with children, be careful when approaching the edge of the cliff. Direction signs in the area are limited, so downloading a map application beforehand will be useful.
Photo Spots
Shots taken from the clearing opposite the cliff clearly show the location and height of the tomb chambers. In the afternoon, the angle of the sun makes the carved details on the rock surface more prominent.
FAQ
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