In the centre of Sarıkaya lies Basilica Therma, also known as the Sarıkaya Roman Baths. The thermal pools, names from different eras and later Christian use give the site a layered history. For a cultural trip, the Roman Baths offer a specific thematic focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Sarıkaya, you can first consider whether the town itself should be the main focus or part of a stay that includes other destinations.
A bath with layers from several eras
The ancient Roman Baths are thought to have been built in the 2nd century AD. In Roman times they were known as “Aquae Sarvenae”, in Byzantine times as “Basilica Therma” and in Ottoman times as “Terzili Hamamı”. These names associate the baths with different eras and help place their history in time.
In 2018, the Sarıkaya Roman Baths were designated a first-degree archaeological site. On 2 May 2018, Basilica Therma was also submitted for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This is tentative-list status, not inclusion on the World Heritage List.
The thermal spring continues to supply thermal water. In Seljuk and Ottoman times, the water emerging from the spring was used for therapeutic bathing without damaging the main building of the Roman Baths. Another historical interpretation links the site to early Christian use: after paganism was banned under Emperor Theodosius, a marble baptismal font with a cross was placed in the large thermal pool. Because of this function, Christians regarded the site as sacred. There are also bull-head and snake motifs at the Roman Baths.
Thermal pools and their forms
The large thermal pool measures 23.30 × 12.80 metres, is 1.34 metres deep and has a water temperature of approximately 45°C. At its centre is an almost oval, two-part baptismal font with a cross relief. It measures 120 × 140 centimetres and is 25 centimetres thick. The dimensions of the pool and the baptismal font are therefore clearly related in terms of space.
The third pool is at right angles to the inner pool. Its thermal water emerges from the bottom; it measures 15.00 × 5.20 metres and has a semicircular plan at the short ends. The excavation history adds to this picture of the complex: after the forepool was discovered, further excavations behind the main building uncovered a second and a third pool.
Getting your bearings and planning your journey
Basilica Therma is in the centre of Sarıkaya, on the Bozok Plateau in north-central Anatolia. Sarıkaya Kaplıcaları is also in the town centre and can be reached by road. These two location details provide a specific starting point for planning your trip; when choosing accommodation, check where the holiday apartment you select is in relation to your own plans.
Sarıkaya is 75 kilometres from Yozgat, 300 from Ankara, 120 from Kayseri, 124 from Cappadocia and 110 from Hattuşa. Nevşehir Kapadokya, Kayseri and Sivas Nuri Demirağ airports are approximately 150, 120 and 190 kilometres away, respectively. These different distances can help you decide how extensive you want your trip to be.
Then choose your holiday apartment to suit the stops you have planned.
Discover more destinations: Yozgat, Güllük, Özükavak, Fakıbeyli, Alışar Höyük, Sorgun, Boğazlıyan
Return to the main travel overview: Yozgat.
