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Santa Ruins, located in Gumushane province in northern Türkiye, has reopened to visitors with the start of the new tourism season.
The ancient settlement, which is among the most significant cultural heritage sites in the region, becomes accessible again after being closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and difficult weather conditions. With the arrival of warmer days, the site has begun hosting nature lovers and tourists once more.
Dating back to either the 17th century or even earlier according to different sources, Santa consists of seven historic neighborhoods. Each neighborhood features stone houses, churches, schools, fountains and bridges that reflect the traditional civil architecture of its era.
Visitors are also drawn to the natural environment surrounding Santa, which becomes especially vibrant after seasonal rains.
Waterfalls cascading from the mountains, flowing streams and lush greenery create a dramatic landscape. The historic Taskopru (Stone Bridge), wildflowers and rhododendron-covered slopes add to the area’s scenic beauty.
First-time visitor Mehmet Kacan described his experience as unforgettable, noting that the area was initially covered in thick fog. Although this temporarily hid the scenery, the mist gradually lifted to reveal breathtaking views of valleys, flowers, rivers and historical structures.
He emphasized that the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty left a strong impression on him and made him wish he had visited earlier.
Retired tourist guide Ruhi Yildirim praised the region’s landscape during his visit.
Having worked in various tourism routes across Türkiye and Europe, he compared Santa’s natural beauty favorably, stating that the area offers extraordinary views and rich ecological diversity that rival or even surpass many well-known European destinations.
Another visitor, Inci Dogusel, also a retired professional guide, described the journey to Santa as challenging yet deeply rewarding. She said the foggy mountain roads initially created a sense of uncertainty, but the scene that appeared upon arrival felt like entering another world.
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