Bolu has a rich history, dating back to the Hittite period (2000 BC-500 BC) and was later an important city in the Kingdom of Bithynia (279 BC-79 BC), inhabited by various tribes such as Bebryces, Mariandynes, Koukones, Thyns and Paphlagons.
During the Roman era, Bolu was known as Claudiopolis in honor of Emperor Claudius, and later, the name of the posthumously deified lover of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, Antinous, was added to the city's coins. Emperor Theodosius II (408-450) made Bolu the capital of a new province called Honorias, named after his son.
Bolu was under Byzantine control and named Hadrianopolis, loyal to the Byzantines, until it was recaptured by nomadic Turks in 1097 and renamed Boli. In 1197, it was conquered by the invading forces of the Seljuk Sultanate, and in 1325, it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire.
Today, Bolu is a city with about 65% forest coverage, making it a haven for trees, clean air, and natural landscapes. It boasts natural beauties such as Abant, Gölcük, Mudurnu Sülüklü Lake, Kıbrıscık Karagöl and Aladağ Beşpınarlar, which are sure to enchant nature lovers. Bolu's traditional cuisine, which has been kept alive by renowned chefs from Bolu province, such as Mengen, is also noteworthy and has gained a reputation for its unique and delicious flavors.