This historic Turkish city, 170 km from Ankara, has produced fine ceramics since ancient times. Once a Roman provincial capital, it continues its pottery tradition today.
In Kütahya, you can watch artisans paint intricate designs on ceramics using centuries-old techniques, climb to the hilltop Temple of Zeus, or wander through streets lined with 19th-century wooden houses. This western Turkish city, set at 1,000 meters above sea level, has been a center of ceramic and tile making since the 1400s, with its mountain backdrop and natural thermal springs adding to its appeal.
Ceramic Workshops
In Kütahya's ceramic workshops, you'll see artisans creating tiles and pottery using techniques passed down through generations. The signature cobalt blue and white designs appear on most pieces, though many artisans also work with turquoise, yellow, red, and green. Visit workshops like Çini Vakfı where you can watch each step of production, from clay preparation to glazing and painting. The finished pieces include everyday items like cups and plates, as well as large tile murals that you'll find in mosques across Turkey.
Ancient City of Aizanoi
The Temple of Zeus in Aizanoi, 50 kilometers from Kütahya's center, rises on a hill among Roman ruins. Built during Emperor Hadrian's reign, this temple complex includes several unique features. You can explore the 15,000-seat stadium connected to a theater through a vaulted passage - the only such combination known from the Roman period. Two Roman bridges still span the river Penkalas, connecting different sections of ruins on both banks.
Ottoman Quarter
Walk along Germiyan Street to see wooden Ottoman houses from the 1800s, with their distinctive overhanging upper floors and carved wooden details. Many buildings maintain their original features, including wooden window frames and decorated doorways. Stop at the Hungarian House museum, where Hungarian statesman Lajos Kossuth lived during his exile. The museum displays period furniture and tells the story of his time in Kütahya.
Local Food
Try cimcik, small hand-rolled pasta served with yogurt sauce, in one of the family-run restaurants in the city center. Local bakers make haşhaşlı pide, a flatbread topped with poppy seeds, while home cooks prepare kızılcık tarhanası, a dried soup mix made with cornelian cherries. You'll find these regional specialties alongside common Turkish dishes in most central restaurants.
Getting Around
Reach Kütahya by bus or train from major Turkish cities, or fly into Zafer Airport from Istanbul. Local buses run between main sites, while taxis are readily available. The compact city center makes it easy to walk between the ceramic workshops, Ottoman quarter, and main squares. Rent a car if you plan to visit Aizanoi or explore the surrounding mountains.
