Gümüşhane Province, Province in Eastern Black Sea region, Turkey
Gümüşhane is a province in the eastern Black Sea region where deep valleys run between mountain ranges and the landscape is defined by hills. The region spreads across six districts and combines alpine areas with smaller settlements embedded in the mountain terrain.
The province was known in ancient times as Argyropolis, a center for silver mining, which stood under various empires like the Roman and later the Ottoman reign over centuries. This long history of mining and rule shaped how the region developed.
The region has deep roots in Silk Road trade, which shows today in the stone houses and mosques visitors can discover in the villages. These buildings tell of generations who lived and worked here, shaping how the settlements look.
The best time to explore is summer, when paths in the mountains are easily accessible and the weather stays mild. Visitors should prepare for mountain terrain and bring suitable shoes, as many sights are reachable only on foot.
In Torul you find caves with geological formations thousands of years old that still have water flowing through them. Though these underground spaces are less known than other natural sights, they show the hidden geology of the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.