Ulu Cami, Bursa’s Grand Mosque, stands in the city’s historic centre and is known for its 20 domes, central fountain and extensive calligraphy. You can visit it as a place of worship and pair a stop with a walk through the nearby Historic Bazaar and Hanlar District.
- Location: Nalbantoğlu, Osmangazi, Bursa
- Architecture: a rectangular plan, 20 domes and a fountain beneath the central dome
- Entry: free
Where Ulu Cami sits in Bursa’s historic centre
What to look for inside Ulu Cami
The mosque’s interior is distinguished by its domed roof, central fountain, carved wooden minbar and calligraphy. Its rectangular plan has three entrances on the east, west and north sides, with 20 domes above.
Look for the glazed central dome and the large fountain beneath it. The fountain’s pool is 16-sided. The carved wooden minbar is made with kündekârî joinery: interlocking pieces assembled without nails or other binding material.
Calligraphy is another defining feature. Published counts range from 129 inscriptions to 192 texts displayed on 87 panels.
Visiting etiquette and access
Ulu Cami is an active place of worship, so visitors may encounter people praying at any time. Plan your visit outside congregational prayer periods and follow the mosque’s etiquette while inside.
Women should cover their hair and wear clothing that covers their body shape. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops and wear covered clothing. Remove outdoor shoes before entering, go in wearing socks, and place shoes on the designated shelves or in a bag.
Keep your voice low inside. Eating, drinking and running are not permitted, and visitors should not touch the calligraphy, minbar, mihrab or walls, or pass in front of people who are praying. Entry is free.
For current access details, check the official site of the General Directorate of Foundations before you go; the directorate is responsible for the mosque.
How do you walk to Ulu Cami?
Ulu Cami is about a 12-minute walk from Kule Pansiyon. Use a map to choose your way through the city streets.
If you are approaching from elsewhere in Bursa, take T1 after transferring at Osmangazi metro station to reach the Ulu Cami–Heykel city-centre area. Check current transit information before setting out.
Nearby stops for a longer historic-centre walk
A longer walk can connect Ulu Cami with the Historic Bazaar, Hanlar District and Tophane. The all-year walking route from Zindan Kapı Museum to the Hanlar District covers 2 kilometres, takes approximately 3 hours and passes Ulu Cami, Tophane Walls and Square, and the Historic Bazaar. This Bursa historic-centre walking itinerary can help you plan the order of your stops.
Koza Han is another nearby landmark to include in a historic-centre visit.
The Bursa City Museum explores the city’s history.
Koza Han is a historic stop in the centre; its courtyard offers a change of pace from the mosque and bazaar.
For a closer look at Koza Han, its history and courtyard make it a worthwhile stop on a historic-centre walk.
FAQs
Where is Ulu Cami in Bursa?
It is in Nalbantoğlu, in the Osmangazi district of Bursa’s historic city centre, on Atatürk Caddesi opposite the PTT.
Is entry to Ulu Cami free?
Yes, entry is free. Check the official site of the General Directorate of Foundations before you go for current access details.
What should you wear to Ulu Cami?
Women should cover their hair and wear clothing covering their body shape. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops; everyone should remove outdoor shoes and enter in socks.
How long is the walking route that includes Ulu Cami?
The route from Zindan Kapı Museum to the Hanlar District is 2 kilometres and takes approximately 3 hours. It also passes Tophane Walls and Square and the Historic Bazaar.