History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Gediksaray Mound (formerly known as Varay), located in the Çekerek Valley basin in the southwest of Amasya, is one of the first degree registered archaeological settlements with the widest stratigraphic layering in the Central Black Sea region. It was inhabited uninterruptedly from the Early Bronze Age (3000-2500 BC) until the Middle and Late Bronze Age, Iron Age, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Monochrome and painted Hittite ceramics, Phrygian pottery pieces and Roman architectural stones were identified during surface surveys. According to local legends, it was believed that palaces and hidden golden vaults were buried under this huge hill in ancient times, and it was popularly known as 'Sarayaltı Hill'. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The altitude is 680 meters. It is in the form of a conical hill rising in the middle of fertile agricultural lands overlooking the alluvial plain of the Çekerek River. Wheat fields, orchards and steppe vegetation dominate the surrounding area. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:It is a registered archaeological site open to the public and is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days:It can be visited in daylight 7 days a week.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Collecting surface artefacts or stones from the site is strictly prohibited and subject to criminal sanctions. The surface is dirt and rugged; It is not convenient to climb to the top with baby strollers and wheelchairs. Sturdy-soled sports shoes are recommended.•Facilities and Facilities:It is a natural protected area; There are no facilities in the area, basic needs can be obtained from grocery stores and coffee houses in Gediksaray village center. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Gediksaray Village, Göynücek / Amasya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 52 km from Amasya city center and 14 km from Göynücek district center. It can be easily reached by all kinds of passenger vehicles via the Göynücek-Gediksaray road, which is completely paved with asphalt.•Real Public Transportation Information: It is possible to reach Gediksaray village minibuses, which depart regularly in the morning and afternoon from Göynücek District Bus Terminal and Amasya Village Minibuses Garage.•Parking Availability:There are free car parking areas on the side of the village road at the foot of the mound. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Panoramic agricultural plots of the Çekerek River valley from the top of the mound and the silhouette of the mound falling into the valley at sunset provide wonderful frames.•Light and Shooting Hours:Early morning and late afternoon sun are the times that show the layered soil structure of the mound and the color of the valley most vividly.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:The registered flower okra dish produced in Gediksaray and Göynücek villages, homemade Amasya buns, tandoori bread and village molasses should definitely be tasted.