Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park is a large park in Eskişehir covering about 400,000 square meters. Its best-known feature is the Fairy Tale Castle, whose towers copy eight well-known towers from across Turkey. The grounds also hold a pirate ship, a mini zoo, an aquarium, a science centre and a planetarium, plus a Japanese garden and ponds. Entry to the grounds is free, so you pay only for the attractions you choose to enter.
Inside the grounds
The park covers about 400,000 square meters, so plan on a lot of walking. Paths run between the ponds, lawns and planted areas, and a train ride runs through the grounds for anyone who wants a break from walking.
The play areas have slides and see-saws, and several cafés are spread across the park. Families can split their time between the attractions and rest stops without leaving the grounds.
The Fairy Tale Castle
The castle is the park's landmark and the building most people photograph. Its towers are built as copies of eight well-known towers from across Turkey, and the design is easy to notice from the paths.
Inside, the rooms hold displays and a souvenir shop. The displays have little or no English, so the cultural pieces and drawings are hard to follow without preparation. Reading about the castle before you visit, or asking staff on arrival, makes the rooms more useful.
Animals, water and science
The mini zoo holds more than 120 species. The aquarium inside the park is called Eti Underwater World, and the science centre has hands-on exhibits for younger visitors. The planetarium and the Sabancı Space House add space-themed options to the day.
The pirate ship is a large vessel that children can explore, and adults can admire how well it is built. The zoo, the castle and the pirate ship each charge their own entry fee, so decide which ones you want before you start.
Planning a visit
The Japanese garden and the ponds give the park its quieter side. Walking the paths around the water is a good way to slow down between the busier attractions.
The park has both free and paid parking lots. The entrance, the restrooms and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and the seating has wheelchair access too.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Entry to the park grounds is free. The castle, the pirate ship and the zoo each have separate fees, so check them before you go.
How long do you need?
Plan a few hours to see the main attractions. Families with children often spend a full day here.
Can you go inside the castle?
Yes. The interior has displays and a souvenir shop, but the explanations have little English text.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, the restrooms, the parking lot and the seating are wheelchair accessible.
Can you picnic in the park?
Picnic rules differ by area, and some parts do not allow picnics, so look for signs before you unpack food.
