Kastamonu is a provincial capital of the Black Sea highlands, historically significant as the place where Atatürk first publicly donned a European hat in 1925 — symbolising the clothing revolution of the new Turkish Republic.
The old city around the castle is one of the best-preserved Ottoman urban fabrics in Turkey, with traditional wooden-beam konaks, a covered bazaar and mosque complexes largely unchanged since the 18th century.
- Region
- Black Sea highlands
- Best months
- May–Oct
- Known for
- Ottoman architecture, Valla Canyon
- Historical fact
- Atatürk's hat revolution site
Kastamonu Castle and old city
The Byzantine-Ottoman castle dominates the city from a rocky outcrop, with the old town’s finest wooden-beam mansions clustered around its base. The Nasrullah Mosque complex and the covered bazaar complete the historic quarter.
The municipal museum houses an excellent collection of Ottoman artefacts and has a dedicated display on the famous hat revolution speech.
Valla Canyon
The Valla (Ilıca) Canyon, 30 km from Kastamonu, is one of Turkey’s most dramatic gorges — a narrow slot canyon with walls rising over 400 metres, cut by the Gökırmak River through limestone. A trekking route through the canyon floor is one of the region’s premier hiking experiences.
Ilgaz Mountain
Ilgaz Dağı Milli Parkı is a highland national park on the Küre mountain range — dense fir forests, a small ski resort and cool summer temperatures. The park is a good base for Black Sea mountain hiking.
Kastamonu in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Kastamonu
2Its preserved Ottoman architecture, the castle, Atatürk's hat revolution speech, the Valla Canyon gorge and Ilgaz Mountain national park.
Yes — for travellers who enjoy authentic Ottoman heritage and natural landscapes off the tourist trail. The old bazaar and canyon trekking are highlights.