Experience the best of Kayseri

Kayseri sits on the Anatolian plateau at the foot of Mount Erciyes, a volcano of 3,917 metres, the highest peak in central Turkey. The city, called Caesarea in Roman times, has a citadel of black volcanic stone in its centre. The Çifte Medrese, twin Seljuk buildings from 1205, include one of the earliest medical schools and hospitals in Anatolia, and the Hunat Hatun complex of 1237 holds a mosque and madrasa.

The great Ottoman architect Sinan is believed to have been born in a village near Kayseri. The covered bazaar fills the lanes near the citadel with traders. At Kültepe, an ancient Assyrian trading colony north-east of the city, thousands of clay tablets in cuneiform were found. Cappadocia, with its rock chimneys, begins to the west, and the ski slopes of Erciyes rise to the south.

Mantı, tiny dumplings stuffed with spiced meat and served with garlic yoghurt, are Kayseri's most famous dish, and pastırma, air-dried spiced beef, and sucuk sausage fill the delicatessens, with strong tea in tulip glasses. Winters are snowy, and May, June, September and October are the best months for walking.