Sultanhanı Caravanserai: The Silk Road Fortress of Anatolia

✓ Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 — Verified and updated by İlyas Bayrak, licensed Turkish guide (licence 070867), with the My Turkey Adventure editorial team. Prices, opening hours, transport fares and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Quick Answer: The Sultanhanı Caravanserai is a monumental Seljuk-era roadside inn in Aksaray province, and it is absolutely worth visiting. As the largest and most magnificent example of a Seljuk caravanserai in Türkiye, this 13th-century fortress offers a tangible connection to the legendary Silk Road. Its stunning architecture and historical importance make it a must-see stop, especially on a transfer day between Cappadocia and Konya. Fact Detail Location Sultanhanı town, Aksaray Province, on the D300 highway. Period / Type Seljuk Turkish architecture, 13th Century (built 1229 , rebuilt 1278 ). What It Is The largest medieval roadside inn ( han ) in Türkiye, built to service Silk Road trade caravans. UNESCO Status On the Tentative List for World Heritage inscription as part of the "Seljuk Caravanserais on the route from Denizli to Dogubeyazit". Entry A small entrance fee is charged (typically under $5 USD). Last checked September 2026 , confirm locally. Typical Visit Length 45 - 60 minutes. Nearest Airport Konya Airport (KYA) or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). Driving Time from Nearest Big City About 1 hour 30 minutes from Konya (110 km); 40 minutes from Aksaray (40 km). Best Months April-June and September-October for pleasant weather. What Exactly Is a Seljuk Caravanserai? Imagine you are a merchant in the 13th century , travelling with a long caravan of camels laden with silk, spices, and precious goods. Your journey is long, dangerous, and exhausting. A Seljuk caravanserai , or han as it's known in Turkish, was your sanctuary. These were massive, state-sponsored, fortified roadside inns built along the great trade routes of Anatolia, most notably the Silk Road in Turkey . The Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, which ruled A