Amasya Archaeology Museum is a two-story museum located on Ziya Paşa Boulevard near the city center, showcasing artifacts spanning from the Hittites to the Ottoman period. Featuring Ilkhanid mummies and the Elmalı Floor Mosaic, its collection makes it one of Anatolia's key archaeological hubs.
The origins of the Amasya Archaeology Museum date back to 1925, starting as a small depot established in the madrasa of the Sultan Bayezid II Complex. The artifacts were moved to the Gökmedrese Mosque in 1962, relocated to today's modern building in 1977, and opened to visitors in 1980. Today, artifacts from thirteen distinct civilizations—spanning from the Late Neolithic to the Hittite, Urartian, Phrygian, Scythian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods—are showcased under one roof.
The museum's most popular section is the dedicated room displaying 14th-century mummies from the Ilkhanid period. Previously kept in the tomb of the Seljuk Sultan Mesud I, they were later moved into the museum. Visitors often describe this room as the place where they saw a real mummy for the first time, while some compare the craftsmanship of the mosaics to those in Zeugma. The upper floor is filled with Roman mosaics and wooden doors, while the ground floor displays Bronze Age finds such as the Hittite Teshub statuette. In the museum garden, stone artifacts from the Hittite to Ottoman periods are displayed in an open-air setting.
A frequently mentioned warning in visitor reviews is that tour groups can crowd the museum on weekend afternoons, with guides speaking loudly over the crowds. Those seeking a peaceful visit prefer coming during the morning hours or on weekdays.
Guide's Note
Amasya Archaeology Museum boasts a collection that reflects the city's historical depth despite its modest size. Visitors note that they gain a comprehensive impression of Amasya's past through its archaeological finds and ethnographic artifacts. The open-air display in the garden at the museum exit adds an extra dimension to the tour.
The most attention-grabbing section of the collection is the Ilkhanid-era mummies. Multiple visitors highlight these artifacts as the museum's centerpiece; reviews also mention that it is one of the rare places in Turkey hosting such a unique collection. The mosaics are also among the highly praised exhibits.
- Entrance fee: Reviewers mention varying figures; there is an inconsistency between prices quoted at 160 TRY and 200 TRY, so confirming up-to-date information prior to your visit is recommended.
- Museum Pass: Museum Pass (MüzeKart) is accepted; free entry is reported for teachers.
When to Visit
The museum is open daily from 08:15 to 19:00, but closed between 12:00 and 13:00. You should plan your schedule accordingly. A frequent observation in visitor reviews is that tour groups pack the museum on weekend afternoons, making the visit feel rushed as guides talk loudly over the crowds. Those visiting in the morning hours or on weekdays enjoy a much quieter atmosphere.
How to Get There
The museum is located on Mustafa Kemal Paşa Avenue in the Üçler neighborhood in central Amasya. Thanks to its proximity to the center, it can be reached on foot from the bus terminal or city center accommodations. For those driving, a municipal parking lot is available 200 meters past the museum; you can leave your car there and take a short walk to the entrance.
How Much Time to Spend
An average of 1 to 1.5 hours is sufficient for the two-story museum. The ground floor displays archaeological artifacts from pre-Ottoman civilizations, while the upper floor houses Roman mosaics, wooden doors, and the section containing the Ilkhanid mummies. Some visitors find the ground floor more ordinary and allocate more time to the upper level.
Highlighted Sections
The mummy room is the corner most frequently mentioned by visitors. Here, 14th-century mummies from the Ilkhanid period are displayed in a special showcase. The Hittite Teshub figure is another captivating piece—a cast bronze statuette discovered at a depth of 4 meters inside a tumulus in Doğantepe village. Comparisons to Zeugma are often drawn in reviews regarding the Roman mosaics, pointing to the high quality of craftsmanship.
Fitting It Into an Amasya Itinerary
Because the museum is close to Amasya's other historical landmarks (such as the Sultan Bayezid II Complex, Gökmedrese Mosque, and Yalıboyu Houses), it easily fits into a central city tour. An early morning museum visit can be paired with an afternoon stroll along the Yeşilırmak River and a climb to the castle.
Things to Keep in Mind
The museum is closed during lunch break (12:00–13:00), so visits coinciding with this hour may require waiting. Tour group congestion increases on weekend afternoons; morning hours or weekdays are preferable for a peaceful tour. Reviewers with children mention that the mummy room presents a good opportunity to teach young ones museum etiquette.
History of the Museum
The museum's story dates back to a small depot opened in 1925; initially, a small number of artifacts alongside Islamic-period mummies were kept together in two rooms of the Sultan Bayezid II Complex madrasa. In 1962, the artifacts were transferred to the Gökmedrese Mosque, moved to today's modern building in 1977, and reorganized for visitors in 1980. Today, Hazeranlar Mansion and the Saraydüzü Barracks National Struggle Museum also operate under the museum's administration.
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