Rize Historic Places – Discover the Heritage of Turkey’s Green Capital

Rize, the emerald city of the Black Sea, is famous for tea gardens, lush mountains, and coastal landscapes. But beyond its natural beauty, Rize also reflects centuries of history shaped by the Ottomans, ancient trade routes, and traditional Black Sea culture. From castles and bridges to old houses and monasteries, the city offers beautiful historic places worth exploring.

Here are the top historic places to visit in Rize:

🏰 1. Zil Kale (Zilkale Castle)

One of the most iconic historical sites in Eastern Black Sea.

🛡 Built on a steep cliff overlooking Fırtına Valley
🏰 14th–15th century fortress architecture
🌿 Stunning mountain and river views
📸 Ideal for photography and nature lovers

A must-visit place combining history, nature, and dramatic scenery.

🏰 2. Rize Castle

Historic viewpoint in the heart of the city.

🏛 Built during the Byzantine period
🌊 Wide view of Rize city and Black Sea coast
☕ A café inside the castle garden
📍 Easy access from city center

Perfect for travelers who want history and relaxation in one stop.

🧱 3. Kale-i Bala Castle (Upper Castle)

A lesser-known but very impressive hilltop castle.

🗿 Located in Çamlıhemşin area
🌲 Surrounded by deep forests and green valleys
📜 Believed to be from medieval period
🚶 Hiking and nature walking area

Great for travelers who enjoy hidden historical places.

🌉 4. Ottoman Stone Bridges of Fırtına Valley

A trademark of Rize’s cultural heritage.

🌉 Historical arch bridges from Ottoman era
⛰ Built with stone and mortar over mountain rivers
📸 Beautiful spots for photos
🚣 Close to rafting and hiking areas

Famous bridges include Timisvat Bridge, Mikron Bridge, and Şenyuva Bridge.

🕌 5. Gito Mosques & Wooden Highland Houses

Traditional Islamic architecture in high plateaus.

🕌 Small wooden mosques built with local craftsmanship
🏠 Old Black Sea houses with wooden balconies
🌿 Located in Pokut, Gito, and Huser plateaus
📷 Amazing landscapes, fog, and sunsets

A mix of cultural heritage and nature.

🕍 6. Fındıklı Historical Mansions

Old Ottoman-style mansions with stone-and-wood design.

🏛 Traditional architecture of Black Sea region
🧱 Old mills and village houses nearby
📍 Located in Fındıklı district
🌄 Perfect cultural photography location

These mansions reflect the lifestyle of ancient Rize families.

🕌 7. Atatürk House & Ethnography Museum

Historic museum in Rize center.

📜 Atatürk’s visit to Rize in 1924
🗝 Antique household items and cultural artifacts
🏠 Old mansion converted into a museum
📍 Easy to reach in city center

A small but culturally important landmark.

🧭 8. İslampaşa Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Rize.

🕌 Built in the 16th century by İsfendiyar Bey
🧱 Stone-wood hybrid Ottoman architecture
📍 Located in İslampaşa Neighborhood
🌊 Close to coast and Rize city attractions

A peaceful historical stop for heritage lovers.

🕍 9. Hemşin Monastery Ruins

Ancient Orthodox monastery remains.

⛪ Hidden ruins inside deep nature
📜 Byzantine-era architecture
🌲 Located near Hemşin villages
🚶 Requires short trekking path

A great spot for explorers who like archaeology and nature.

✅ Why Visit Historic Places in Rize?

🌿 Unique castles, bridges, and old villages
🗿 Ottoman and Byzantine heritage
📸 Perfect for nature and culture photography
🚶 Hiking, trekking, and plateau tours