Have you ever been wandering through the lively, bustling streets of Samsun, looked up, and noticed those small cabins gliding silently above the city? Those cabins are like magic capsules, transporting you not just to a hill, but to the very heart of thousands of years of history and one of the most breathtaking views of the Black Sea. So, what awaits you at the top of that hill? Is it just a beautiful view, or is there much more?

In this article, we've prepared our list of things to do on Amisos Hill for you, and we'll explain step-by-step why this historic summit is a must-see on your Samsun trip. From ascending into the sky by cable car from the greenery of Batıpark, to touching history in the mysterious tombs of Pontus kings, and sipping a coffee at the famous café on the summit, Amisos Hill promises you an unforgettable experience. If you're ready, fasten your seatbelts; we're embarking on a journey first to the sky, and then into the depths of history!   

Take the cable car from Batıpark and reach the hill accompanied by Black Sea views

Your Amisos Hill adventure actually begins at sea level, in Batıpark, one of Samsun's largest and most vibrant recreation areas. It would be a great injustice to think of this place as just a cable car station. With its massive 850,000 square meter area, Batıpark is a destination in itself. It features go-kart tracks, picnic areas, giant lion statues, and even an Amazon Village that tells the story of legendary warrior women.   

If you have time before boarding the cable car, exploring the Amazon Village and Island, built in memory of the legendary warrior women, could be a fantastic start. This way, you begin your tour with a mythological touch.

The moment you step into the cabin departing from the Batıpark station, your connection to the ground slowly fades, and Samsun begins to unfold beneath your feet. This short one-minute journey offers you a cinematic panorama showing how the modern face of the city intertwines with the endless blue of the Black Sea. The cable car starts operating at 09:00 in the morning and runs until 21:00 on weekdays and 22:00 on weekends. This means you have a great opportunity to watch the sunset from the hill.   

Visit the monumental rock tombs from the Pontus Kingdom period

When you step off the cable car, you're greeted not only by a magnificent view but also by a giant leap back in time. This is a sacred area that once was home to the nobles of the Pontus Kingdom, which ruled the Black Sea. This place, formerly known as Baruthane Hill, hosts monumental tombs dating back to the 3rd century BC.   

These tombs were carved into the limestone rocks with incredible skill during the Hellenistic period. What's interesting is that this historical treasure was discovered completely by accident in 1995 during a road expansion project. Excavations revealed that this was a family cemetery belonging to one of the highest-ranking ruling families of the Pontus Kingdom. It is even thought that one tomb belongs to a commander from the royal family, his wife, and his daughter.   

Inside the tombs, not only skeletons but also priceless artifacts known as the 'Amisos Treasure' were found. Gold crowns, necklaces, earrings, and ceramics reflecting the art of the period... This treasure is the greatest proof of how rich and important a center Amisos was at that time. All of these unique artifacts are now exhibited at the

Samsun Archaeological Museum, which is located very close to Amisos Hill. We highly recommend completing your tour of the hill by seeing these treasures up close.

To be honest, although they were opened to visitors in the past, entry into the tomb chambers is currently restricted by the T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism due to the risk of collapse, in order to protect these delicate historical structures. But don't let this disappoint you. Even seeing the tomb entrances carved into the massive rocks from the outside is like opening a window into the engineering and belief world of 2300 years ago.   

Sit at the café on the hill and watch the city and the sea

After your journey through the mysterious corridors of history, it's now time to sit back and enjoy the moment. At the summit of Amisos Hill, the Amisos Cafe & Restaurant, operated by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, is waiting to offer you this break with the best view. This is the perfect final stop to relieve the fatigue of your trip and add a new memory to your collection.   

Before you, on one side, is the enchanting line where the Black Sea meets the horizon, and on the other, all the vibrancy of modern Samsun... Watching the city from here is like looking at a live map. Especially if you come around sunset, you won't easily forget the view as the sky is painted crimson. What to drink with the view? A strong Turkish tea or a frothy Turkish coffee, of course.

If you're hungry, it's a great opportunity to try the famous Samsun Pide from the menu. A little tip: the cafe can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, and the service might slow down a bit. So, either choose a quieter time during the week or just lean back, enjoy the view, and be patient. Believe us, this view is worth the wait!   

While You're Here...

Don't think the adventure is over when your tour of Amisos Hill ends! Batıpark, where you land with the cable car, is an exploration area in itself. If you went up the hill in the morning, you can spend your afternoon visiting the Amazon Village within the park or watching the Black Sea from the mouths of the giant lion statues. Moving a bit more towards the city center, visiting the Bandırma Ferry Museum , the symbol of the War of Independence, would be another great alternative to crown your Samsun trip.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Amisos Hill cable car fee and what are its operating hours? Cable car fees may vary by season, but they are generally quite reasonable. You can get the most up-to-date information from the station. The cable car starts operating at 09:00 every day of the week, with the last ride at 21:00 on weekdays and 22:00 on weekends.   

Can you enter the king tombs on Amisos Hill? No. Due to the protection of the historical structures and the risk of collapse, the tomb chambers are currently closed to visitors. However, you can see the tombs from the outside and learn about their history from the information panels on the hill.   

Can you drive up to Amisos Hill? Yes, it is also possible to reach the hill by road, and there is a parking area. However, the cable car journey is the most recommended and enjoyable method of transportation due to the unique Black Sea view it offers.   

Source: For more detailed and official information about the history and current status of Amisos Hill, you can visit the relevant page of the T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism: ((https://samsun.ktb.gov.tr/TR-216747/amisos-tepesi.html))

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