Sultanhani Caravanserai
Sultanhani Caravanserai
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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- tinkle_24Northampton, United Kingdom1,820 contributionsAmazingly well preserved!Great example of Anatolian Seljuk architecture well preserved! Beautiful arches in the open area and and in the enclosed section, a cathedral opened up with its glorious arches. Of course like a mosque too. To think caravans stayed there in the 13th century as part of the Silk route.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- Geoff HSissinghurst, United Kingdom17,843 contributionsWell worth stopping atWell worth stopping at if you are driving from Konya to Aksaray. The architecture is interesting in itself but, on the day we were there, there was also an exhibition of rugs which could be viewed with soothing music in the background. There's also a cafe for refreshments and, once outside, there is a roundabout containing busts of some of the Sultans which is also worth a look.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 November 2023
- WorldGluttonLondon, United Kingdom24,459 contributionsWell preserved caravanserai and beautiful Seljuk architecture !!!We arrived in Konya to visit the 13th Century old Caravanserai where Silk Road Tradesmen between China & Europe stopped overnight stay in the ancient days. The Sultanhani Seljuk Caravanserai, located on the Konya-Aksaray road, is the largest and most beautiful Seljuk Caravanserai. Lead by our Guide, the entrance is richly decorated with momumental marble portal. At the centre of the open courtyard ,is a small mosque. Surrounding compound of the courtyard are buildings that include kitchen, the dining hall, the hamam or bath house, and sitting rooms and bedrooms. The place was empty inside thus we are free to explore most rooms. Very beautifully decorated with handcrafted wall carpets. The fully enclosed quarters house stables for the load carrying and riding animals. Caravansarays provided accommodation, food and drink free of charge for up to three days for both locals and foreigners of different ethnic groups and religion without discrimination. Well preserved caravanserai and beautiful Seljuk architecture !!! worth the time spent !!Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 May 2024
- jxx95951,408 contributionsWe were blown away here. Don't miss this place if you are nearby.One of the best places we visited in ten days all over Turkey. The building itself is worth a look, but the inside is even more interesting. Amazing displays of Turkish rugs and other types of art. In short, something interesting or fascinating everywhere you look. Plus there's an ice cream counter And we had a nice lunch nearby at Suslu Doner!! Highly recommended.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 May 2024
- John SDurham, North Carolina1,185 contributionsSultanhan Caravanserai - Fortified Housing For Ancient Travelers and TradersOn our journey through Turkey, we stepped back in time at the Sultanhan Caravanserai, an impressive example of Seljuk architecture. Located in Sultanhanı, this well-preserved caravanserai offered a fascinating glimpse into the lives of travelers and traders from centuries past. As we approached, the massive stone structure with its intricate stonework commanded our attention, and the grand entrance hinted at the rich history within. Built in 1229 by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, the Sultanhan Caravanserai was a crucial stopover on the Silk Road, providing shelter, food, and safety for merchants. Walking through the entrance, we marveled at the high stone walls and arched porticos of the central courtyard, which accommodated stables, storage rooms, and lodging. The prayer room on a raised platform in the courtyard symbolized the importance of faith, offering solace and reflection for weary travelers. The covered winter hall, with its thick stone walls and vaulted ceilings, created a mystical ambiance, allowing us to imagine the bustling activity that once filled this space. Wandering through the various rooms and corridors, we admired the ingenuity of the Seljuk architects who designed this self-sufficient hub with kitchens, baths, and a small mosque. The Winter Hall also had an interesting carpet display on the supporting columns. Reflecting on our visit, we appreciated the enduring legacy of the Sultanhan Caravanserai, a testament to the importance of trade and cultural exchange in shaping civilizations. It provided a tangible link to the stories of merchants and adventurers who traversed the ancient Silk Road. If you're exploring Turkey, a stop at the Sultanhan Caravanserai is a must. It's a captivating blend of history, architecture, and culture. I felt connected with a common spirit of travel and exploration.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA1,597 contributions
Sept 2022
Located on the way from Konya to Aksaray, at about 40km (25 mi) to Aksaray, Sultanhani Cravanserai was built in 1229, during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Kayqubad. Restored several times, this caravanserai is nowadays considered to be the largest in Turkye. It is surrounded by massive walls and once you enter the impressive gate, you face an empty square yard with relatively small rooms (to host guests ?) carved into the right and left walls. At the end of the yard and opposite to the entrance, there a large hall, supported by arches and columns, which perhaps was used as a meeting and eating hall. At the time of our visit there was nobody else there and the hall was hosting an exhibit of beautifully colored carpets, on the background of a soothing, soft music.
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldGlutton
London, UK24,459 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
We arrived in Konya to visit the 13th Century old Caravanserai where Silk Road Tradesmen between China & Europe stopped overnight stay in the ancient days.
The Sultanhani Seljuk Caravanserai, located on the Konya-Aksaray road, is the largest and most beautiful Seljuk Caravanserai.
Lead by our Guide, the entrance is richly decorated with momumental marble portal. At the centre of the open courtyard ,is a small mosque.
Surrounding compound of the courtyard are buildings that include kitchen, the dining hall, the hamam or bath house, and sitting rooms and bedrooms.
The place was empty inside thus we are free to explore most rooms.
Very beautifully decorated with handcrafted wall carpets. The fully enclosed quarters house stables for the load carrying and riding animals.
Caravansarays provided accommodation, food and drink free of charge for up to three days for both locals and foreigners of different ethnic groups and religion without
discrimination.
Well preserved caravanserai and beautiful Seljuk architecture !!! worth the time spent !!
The Sultanhani Seljuk Caravanserai, located on the Konya-Aksaray road, is the largest and most beautiful Seljuk Caravanserai.
Lead by our Guide, the entrance is richly decorated with momumental marble portal. At the centre of the open courtyard ,is a small mosque.
Surrounding compound of the courtyard are buildings that include kitchen, the dining hall, the hamam or bath house, and sitting rooms and bedrooms.
The place was empty inside thus we are free to explore most rooms.
Very beautifully decorated with handcrafted wall carpets. The fully enclosed quarters house stables for the load carrying and riding animals.
Caravansarays provided accommodation, food and drink free of charge for up to three days for both locals and foreigners of different ethnic groups and religion without
discrimination.
Well preserved caravanserai and beautiful Seljuk architecture !!! worth the time spent !!
Written 13 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff H
Sissinghurst, UK17,843 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Well worth stopping at if you are driving from Konya to Aksaray. The architecture is interesting in itself but, on the day we were there, there was also an exhibition of rugs which could be viewed with soothing music in the background. There's also a cafe for refreshments and, once outside, there is a roundabout containing busts of some of the Sultans which is also worth a look.
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco T
Florence, Italy1,934 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A must stop between Aksaray and Konya: the most beautiful caravanserai in Turkey, it is written in the guidebooks. And it's certainly true. This Seljuk marvel, which in six years will celebrate the thousandth anniversary of the beginning of its construction, is astonishing for the aesthetic quality of all its parts: from the portal with the refined carvings to the small building of the internal courtyard to the rear part with the imposing arches, where in this period a collection of carpets among the most beautiful that I have ever seen in my life is carefully displayed. Even the internal café - which, surprisingly, has low prices - is elegantly set up, with examples of Seljuk-inspired art on the walls and columns. The only worrying note: the original steps that allowed you to climb, from the back, into the building located in the courtyard are scattered on the ground and are, from what we can see, being replaced with modern concrete blocks, certainly safer but much less fascinating .
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doctorfoxtrot
Taguig City, Philippines13,227 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Used to be a center of trade during earlier times. Now considered a heritage site , designs and edifices are nice to see. Impressed with the Islamic architectural make up. Worth the short visit. It is winter time we were fortunate to have good photo ops. And that residing Shepherd dog can be intimidating.
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara R
Turin, Italy1,796 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Beautiful caravanserai perfectly preserved and well maintained. Elegant, massive, beautifully decorated. It allows you to understand and imagine how the life of caravans along the Silk Road took place. Inside a beautiful display of carpets ed.un pleasant coffee
Automatically translated
Written 29 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinkle_24
Northampton, UK1,820 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great example of Anatolian Seljuk architecture well preserved! Beautiful arches in the open area and and in the enclosed section, a cathedral opened up with its glorious arches. Of course like a mosque too. To think caravans stayed there in the 13th century as part of the Silk route.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jxx9595
Washington, DC1,408 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
One of the best places we visited in ten days all over Turkey. The building itself is worth a look, but the inside is even more interesting. Amazing displays of Turkish rugs and other types of art. In short, something interesting or fascinating everywhere you look. Plus there's an ice cream counter And we had a nice lunch nearby at Suslu Doner!!
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Written 23 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rschagrin
Delray Beach, FL15,575 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Also known as the Sultanaksaray Han. This han is both Turkey’s and the world’s largest han and is the most magnificent caravanserai built by the Anatolian Seljuks. The Sultan Han lies at the heart of the main caravan road which formed the most important trade network of the age.
Written 2 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bcsystems
Ann Arbor, MI5,238 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The Sultanhani is a large enclosed structure with a square in the middle. It is like an ancient hotel used in the days of trading. There is a nice caffe inside to have a drink.
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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