Şehzadeler Gezi Yolu

Imagine a picturesque embankment where history comes to life with every step. The Princes' Walk (Şehzadeler Gezi Yolu) is an enchanting pedestrian route located in the city of Amasya, which is often called the "City of Princes." Running along the banks of the Yeşilırmak River, this path combines the grandeur of Ottoman architecture with the natural beauty of the Turkish countryside.

Şehzadeler Promenade Route. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The central element of the route is the Shehzade Museum (Şehzadeler Müzesi), located in an authentic 15th–16th century mansion. This site holds special significance for Turkey, as it was here that future sultans of the Ottoman Empire were once educated and prepared for their rule. The museum and its adjacent walkway allow tourists to literally follow in the footsteps of the great heirs to the throne.

Strolling along the embankment, you will see the famous yalı-evleri — traditional riverside houses with their characteristic white facades and wooden details. This is not just a walking area, but a true open-air museum, immersing you in an atmosphere of past greatness and tranquility.

To help you find your way or clarify details, you can use the following information. The site is located in the heart of the historic district.

The main pleasure here is a leisurely stroll along the Yeşilırmak River. You can admire the city panorama, take magnificent photographs of traditional houses and bridges, and watch the life of the river. The atmosphere of the "City of Princes" is perfect for quiet relaxation and observing architectural details.

Be sure to stop by the Shehzade Museum. Inside the ancient mansion, realistic wax figures of princes and sultans in rich historical costumes await you. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the daily life and role of the heirs in the Ottoman Empire, as well as to examine the interior elements of a traditional Anatolian home. Children are usually delighted by the detail of the exhibits.

After your cultural program, you can head up to the second floor of the museum to a small, cozy cafe. Over a cup of Turkish coffee or tea, it’s pleasant to spend time admiring the view of the river and mountains. The proximity to other attractions, such as the Rock Tombs of the Pontic Kings, makes it easy to include the "Princes' Walk" in a packed day of sightseeing in Amasya.

The attraction is located in the very center of the city, making it easily accessible for tourists. If you are already in the historical district, the easiest way to reach it is on foot: the route begins at the Low Bridge (Alçak Köprü) and stretches along the embankment past the famous Ottoman mansions.

For those coming from more distant areas, local buses and dolmuses heading to stops in the Hatuniye district or central Amasya are convenient. If you are arriving at Merzifon Airport (about 40 km away), you can take a taxi or an intercity bus; the trip to the center will take about 20–30 minutes.

A walk from other iconic sites, such as the Amasya Castle (Amasya Kalesi) or the archaeological museum, will take no more than 10–15 minutes. In the summertime, this walk is particularly pleasant thanks to the shade of the trees and the refreshing proximity of the river.

For centuries, the city of Amasya held the honorary title of “Şehzadeler Şehri” — the City of Princes. During the Ottoman era, this was where future sultans received their administrative training, governing the sanjak before ascending the throne in Istanbul. Among the famous students were such great rulers as Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Yavuz Sultan Selim.

The Shehzade Museum itself is housed in a magnificent two-story mansion, with architecture dating back to the 15th–16th centuries. The building serves as a prime example of an Anatolian Turkish house. The city municipality carefully restored this site to transform it into a cultural center dedicated to the history of the heirs to the throne.

The exhibits inside the museum and the promenade itself help restore the region's historical continuity. Strolling here, visitors come into contact with a heritage that unites different eras: from ancient times, which left their mark in the form of rock tombs, to the heyday of the Ottoman Empire.

To leisurely walk the entire route and visit the museum, most travelers need about 1–2 hours. This is plenty of time to examine the wax figures, take photos against the backdrop of the river, and enjoy the architecture of the old mansions.

If you plan to pause for a cup of Turkish tea at a cafe overlooking the river or combine your stroll with a visit to the nearby rock tombs, it’s better to allocate 2–3 hours for this area. The place invites calm contemplation, so there’s no need to rush.

The "Princes' Walk" pedestrian route is open to visitors at any time of the day: Monday — Sunday, 24 hours a day. This makes it an ideal spot for both morning strolls and romantic evening promenades when the beautiful city lights come on.

Keep in mind that while the path itself is open around the clock, the museum located along it may have its own operating schedule (usually from morning to evening), so it's best to choose daytime hours for viewing the wax figures.

Amasya is a city with a high concentration of historical monuments, so visiting one site inevitably leads to discovering others. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of ancient Anatolia and see unique architectural ensembles.