Tombs of the Kings of Pontus

The Tombs of the Kings of Pontus are burial chambers cut into Mount Harşena, with multiple entrances positioned at different heights along the limestone rock face. Five principal chambers make up the site, featuring varying facade designs from simple to elaborately carved.

The necropolis was established in the 3rd century BC when Mithridates I made Amaseia the capital of the Kingdom of Pontus in northern Anatolia. The tombs were used for centuries as the burial place of successive rulers and their families during the kingdom's reign.

The tombs display Greek architectural elements such as columns and rounded tops, reflecting the Pontic Kingdom's connection to the Hellenistic world. Visitors can observe these features in the carved facades and understand how the kings expressed their power through these monumental structures.

Access to the chambers involves climbing stone staircases and a stepped tunnel due to the high position of the entrances on the rock face. Wearing comfortable shoes and having a reasonable level of fitness makes the visit easier.

The largest burial chamber, belonging to Pharnaces I, contains an altar dedication left by a castle commander named Metrodorus. This personal inscription offers a rare glimpse into the devotion and practices at this ancient royal site.