Destination
Santa Harabeleri
Santa Ruins is located approximately 82 kilometers from the city center of Gümüşhane, within the borders of Dumanlı Village of Yağmurdere Township. Santa was established on three separate slopes divided from each other by the valleys where the Santa Yanbolu Stream originates. The Santa Region was conquered during the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmet - between 1461-1476 - together with the whole of Trabzon and the Eastern Black Sea region, and was incorporated into the lands of the Ottoman Empire.
Santa Harabeleri and 6 places around it
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Highlights
- Local culture
Suggested visit:45 minutes
Santa Ruins is located approximately 82 kilometers from Gümüşhane city center, within the borders of Dumanlı Village of Yağmurdere Township. Santa was established on three separate slopes divided from each other by the valleys where Santa Yanbolu Stream rises.
The Santa Region was conquered together with the whole of Trabzon and the Eastern Black Sea region during the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmet - between 1461-1476 - and was incorporated into the lands of the Ottoman Empire. Depending on the efficient operation of the existing iron, lead and silver mines extracted together with lead in the basin, the region developed significantly and achieved economic prosperity during the period between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Photo: Mustafa Zengin
In the Santa settlements, blacksmithing and silversmithing became important branches of art under the influence of the minerals extracted in the region. During the period when the mines were operated, the tax conveniences and exemption from many responsibilities provided by the Ottoman State to mine workers and to professional groups and tradesmen who supplied the needs of the miners caused a dense migration of Orthodox Christian (Greek) Ottoman citizens from surrounding villages and provinces to the region. This migration and prosperity continued until the 18th and 19th centuries, when the mines were closed and social and administrative problems began to be experienced.
Photo: Mustafa Zengin
The region, which was an important mining settlement in the 1500-1800 period, was evacuated in 1923 with the population exchange. In this exchange, the Santa region was used as a gathering place. After the exchange, residents of surrounding villages settled on the idle lands and in the buildings in the evacuated region.
Photo: Mustafa Zengin
The Santa region, which has religious, commercial and cultural importance, has today been declared an 'Archaeological and Natural Protected Area'.
Photo: Mustafa Zengin
While it is estimated that the region previously consisted of 9 separate neighborhoods, today there are 7 neighborhoods and more than 300 houses, namely Piştoflu, Binatlı, İşhanlı, Terzili, Çakallı, Zurnacılı and Sincanlı-Kozlu.
Places to Visit in Gümüşhane Address: Dumanlı Village Gümüşhane
Last updated: 19 October 2026
Location and surroundings
Santa Harabeleri sits within Gümüşhane merkez, Gümüşhane. The toroti catalogue holds 30 described stops across Gümüşhane, 16 of them in Gümüşhane merkez.
The nearest stop is Sümela Manastiri, 12 km to the northwest. Another 6 catalogued points lie within a 30 km radius.
The Ankara – Trabzon route passes 17 km away, so this works as a stop along the drive.
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Frequently asked
- What is Santa Harabeleri?
- Santa Ruins is located approximately 82 kilometers from the city center of Gümüşhane, within the borders of Dumanlı Village of Yağmurdere Township. Santa was established on three separate slopes divided from each other by the valleys where the Santa Yanbolu Stream originates. The Santa Region was conquered during the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmet - between 1461-1476 - together with the whole of Trabzon and the Eastern Black Sea region, and was incorporated into the lands of the Ottoman Empire.
- Where is Santa Harabeleri?
- Santa Harabeleri is in Gümüşhane merkez, Gümüşhane.
- How long does it take to visit Santa Harabeleri?
- The suggested visit time for Santa Harabeleri is about 45 minutes.
- What else is there to see near Santa Harabeleri?
- toroti’s catalogue holds other destinations within 30 km of Santa Harabeleri; the closest are Sümela Manastiri, Çakilgöl Turizm Merkezi/merkez İlçe, Alikinos Kilisesi.
- Is Santa Harabeleri on the way anywhere, and which route?
- Santa Harabeleri lies 17 km from the Ankara – Trabzon route, close enough to add to that drive with a short detour.