The Sarıkaya Roman Baths, known in antiquity as Basilica Therma and locally as “Kral Kızı” (“King’s Daughter”), have reopened to visitors with the arrival of warmer weather, drawing growing tourist interest.
Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, the ancient bathing complex in Sarıkaya dates back to the Roman Empire and is believed in local tradition to have healed the daughter of a king from Kayseri suffering from a serious illness. Because of this legend, the site is widely referred to as “Kral Kızı,” or “King’s Daughter.”
The historic structure continues to stand out for both its architecture and its thermal waters, which have flowed at about 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) for roughly 2,000 years. The baths remain a point of interest for both domestic and international tourists.
Following landscaping and environmental improvements carried out under the supervision of the Yozgat Museum Directorate beginning in 2022 and completed in August 2024, the site was reopened with improved visitor access and comfort. Officials say the upgrades have made the area more welcoming and easier to explore.
An aerial view of the Sarıkaya Roman Baths, known in antiquity as Basilica Therma, Yozgat, central Türkiye, June 6, 2026. (AA Photo)
