Isparta, known as the land of roses, may be distant from the sea, yet it is adorned with lush greenery and endless blue skies. Its unique natural landscapes and rich history contribute to the city’s flourishing tourism, but its true hallmark lies in its rose gardens and lavender fields. Immersing yourself in the purple sea of Kuyucak Village and inhaling the intoxicating fragrance of blooming roses are must-do experiences in this lovely city. Let’s dive into the Isparta attractions list and explore the city together, ticking off each location one by one.
Isparta Attractions
Isparta is a magnificent destination featuring ancient cities from the Roman and Byzantine eras, expansive dreamlike lavender fields, and fields transformed into shades of pink just before rose harvesting. In the city center, you’ll find historical buildings, mosques, and lush picnic areas. Outside the city limits, beautiful lakes and nature parks await your visit. The first eight entries below are the Isparta attractions in the city center, and the rest are in the surrounding area, allowing you to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Isparta Attractions
- Isparta Ethnography Carpet and Rug Museum
- Historical Plane Tree
- Ayı Baniya Church
- Historical Mimar Sinan Mosque
- Firdevs Bey Bedesten
- Gökçay Recreation Area
- Historical Ayazmana Recreation Area
- Gölcük Nature Park
- Yazılı Canyon Nature Park
- Kovada Lake National Park
- Eğirdir Lake
- Kuyucak Village
- Pisidia Antiokheia Ancient City
- Adada Ancient City
- Aksu Dungeon Cave
Isparta Ethnography Carpet and Rug Museum
Let’s start our Isparta journey from the city center. Our first stop is the Isparta Ethnography Carpet and Rug Museum. Opened by the Isparta municipality in 2013, this is the largest ethnographic carpet and rug museum in Turkey. The 10-story museum features exhibit halls and an observation tower, which offers a delightful view of Isparta.
The museum showcases 3,100 carpets and rugs. Additionally, it houses around 2,300 artifacts, including traditional costumes, old household items, agricultural tools, a Yörük tent, ancient firearms, looms, and stills used in rose production. Entrance to the museum is free.
You can find the location of the Isparta Ethnography Carpet and Rug Museum here.
Historical Plane Tree
In the heart of Isparta, you can find an 800-year-old plane tree. Surrounding it are a historic square and casual spots to enjoy tea. You should definitely add this to your list.
You can find the location of the Historical Plane Tree here.
Ayı Baniya Church
Ayı Baniya, or Aya Payana Church, is located in the Turan neighborhood, one of the old settlements of Isparta. It is estimated to have been built in 1750. This historical structure is permanently closed for visiting, but you can still admire it from the outside.
You can find the location of Ayı Baniya Church here.
Historical Mimar Sinan Mosque
The Historical Mimar Sinan Mosque is among the oldest mosques in Isparta. Commissioned by Governor Firdevs Pasha during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1561, it was built in the style of Mimar Sinan. The mosque remains open for worship today.
You can find the location of the Historical Mimar Sinan Mosque here.
Firdevs Bey Bedesten
The bedesten was constructed by Firdevs Bey, the governor of Isparta, in 1561 to support the mosque’s funding. It is made from a stone type unique to Isparta, with neatly cut kövke stones. The bedesten contains shops where you can purchase souvenirs.
You can find the location of Firdevs Bey Bedesten here.
Gökçay Recreation Area
Gökçay Recreation Area offers a stunning panoramic view of Isparta and is surrounded by gardens and vineyards, making it an ideal picnic spot. The recreation area also includes a playground and play areas for children.
You can find the location of Gökçay Recreation Area here.
Historical Ayazmana Recreation Area
Ayazmana Recreation Area is an enjoyable spot where you can watch squirrels and take walks among the chirping of birds. It is enhanced by chestnut and pine trees, offering a spectacular environment with cool water and fresh air.
You can find the location of Historical Ayazmana Recreation Area here.
Gölcük Nature Park
Located 8 kilometers from the city center, Gölcük Nature Park is a crater lake with a depth of up to 30 meters. This lake has served as a place for the local community to relax, enjoy and engage in sports for many years, and was designated a nature park in 1991.
You can find the location of Gölcük Nature Park here.
Yazılı Canyon Nature Park
Having explored the attractions in the city, we now move on to Isparta attractions in the surrounding areas. Yazılı Canyon was designated a nature park in 1989. The canyon, with depths ranging from 100 to 400 meters, offers a chance to observe stunning nature and wildlife.
The canyon gets its name “Yazılı Canyon” due to the Byzantine period worship areas, altars, and inscriptions found on its side walls. For more detailed information, you can read my article on Yazılı Canyon Nature Park.
You can find the location of Yazılı Canyon Nature Park here.
Kovada Lake National Park
Among the most notable Isparta natural attractions is Kovada Lake National Park, situated 29 kilometers south of Eğirdir. It boasts a rich diversity of flora and wildlife. Here, you can explore by bike or on foot, observe birds, and take stunning photos of the lake. You can read more about the lake in my detailed article.
You can find the location of Kovada Lake National Park here.
Eğirdir Lake
Exploring lakes is a significant part of things to do in Isparta. 😀 Eğirdir Lake transforms into a canvas of breathtaking colors at sunrise and sunset. With a karstic structure, the lake reaches a depth of 12 meters, making it the second-largest freshwater lake in Turkey. The surrounding area is designated as an “I. Degree Natural Sit Area”.
There are islands accessible by road within the lake, one of which is Yeşilada. This famous island of Eğirdir features a historical castle, several hotels, and restaurants.
You can find the location of Eğirdir Lake here.
Kuyucak Village
Kuyucak Village is perhaps the most beautiful village in Isparta. Its stunning lavender fields rival those of France, resembling an enchanting sea of purple. These visually captivating fields have gained fame, especially with the help of social media, and have started attracting more visitors each day. Once barren and dry lands, Kuyucak now resembles France’s Provence. Be sure to read my guide on Kuyucak Village. 💜
You can find the location of Kuyucak Village here.
Pisidia Antiokheia Ancient City
Pisidia Antiokheia Ancient City is one of the historical sites in Isparta containing remnants from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Founded in 275 BC during the Seleukos era by either I. Seleukos or his son I. Antiochos, this city was established as a fortified outpost against the Galatians in Phrygia. You can check out my article discussing Pisidia Antiokheia Ancient City for more information.
You can find the location of Pisidia Antiokheia Ancient City here.
Adada Ancient City
Adada Ancient City is another archaeological site you can visit in Isparta. The city was initially discovered in 1888 by G. Hirschfeld and W.M. Ramsey. The exact date of its establishment is unknown.
The city thrived during the Roman Imperial period, particularly under emperors Trajan, Hadrian, and Antoninus Pius. The remains include ancient roads, the Trajan Temple, the Temple of Emperors, the Temple of Zeus Megistos-Serapis, the forum, basilica, acropolis, monumental fountain, administrative building, an open-air meeting place, theater, and burial monuments.
You can find the location of Adada Ancient City here.
Aksu Dungeon Cave
The Aksu Dungeon Cave is located 2 kilometers northeast of Aksu district in Isparta. The cave is 765 meters long and is fully illuminated. It features various formations of stalactites, dripstones, and underground rivers, creating unique patterns, as well as miniature canyons found throughout.
You can find the location of Aksu Dungeon Cave here.
Isparta Travel Guide
How Many Days to Explore Isparta?
For visiting the attractions in Isparta, you can allocate a day for the city center and two days for the surrounding areas, making it possible to explore the city comfortably in 3-4 days.
How to Get to Isparta?
There are three different ways to reach Isparta: by train, by road, or by plane. You can find all the details in this article.
What to Eat in Isparta?
Isparta boasts a rich culinary culture. Although it may not be widely recognized for gastronomy, the region offers surprising diversity in its cuisine, attributed to its agricultural and fruit-rich landscape.
What to Eat in Isparta
- Oven Kebab
- Banak
- Stuffed Carp
- Yufka Bread
- Yalvaç Güllacı
- Dirgit
- Turnip Aşı
- Tatar Mantı
- Top Tarhana
- Rose Sherbet
