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Travel Guide for Pearl of the Aegean, Şirince Village


Which place would you think of if we asked you about a place that enchants those who see it with its narrow streets, stone houses, wine and unique architecture and that will not be affected by the apocalypse according to the Mayan calendar? If your answer is "Şirince Village", then you guessed it right. Şirince Village, located in the Selçuk district of Izmir, is a cute village that has preserved its old Greek houses, fruit trees and olive groves to a great extent throughout history. Let's get to know Şirince, which resembles an outdoor museum, up close.

 

Narrow Streets of Şirince

You can start touring in the streets of Şirince from the village square. Here, you will be greeted by the village fountain, historical mosque and boutique shops selling souvenirs, wine and olive oil. When you turn into the back streets, the stone houses built by the Greeks, the cobblestones and the colorful flowers decorating the fronts of the houses offer a visual feast. At the top of this village, which is built on the foothills of the mountains, is the Hodri Meydan Kulesi, from where you can watch Şirince from above.

 

Hodri Meydan Kulesi

Hodri Meydan Kulesi, which is 12 meters tall, was built upon the decision to demolish Nişanyan Houses. Entrance to the tower, which has a viewing terrace on its top floor, is free of charge. Do not forget to take plenty of landscape pictures when you climb the tower, where you can see all the beauty of Şirince Village.

 

Şirince Wines

Şirince wines are as famous as its historical buildings and houses. When you visit Şirince, which is famous for its homemade wines and vineyards, you can purchase wine for yourself and your loved ones. Some producers offer guests who come to the village the opportunity to see the wine production processes on-site. While visiting Şirince, you can visit the cellars and try the delicious fruit wines that are produced.

 

St. John Baptist Church

Although it is not known exactly when it was built, the St. John Baptist Church, which has survived to this day in 1805, is one of the important religious buildings of the village. Located on the southern slope of the village, the church attracts attention with its unique architecture, small cellar and wishing pool. When you visit the church, you can make a wish by throwing coins into the wishing pool. You can relax while drinking scrumptious coffee at the small cafe which is in the garden of the church and watch the village.

 

Nesin Maths Village

Nesin Maths Village is an academic camp founded by Aziz Nesin's son Ali Nesin upon his will to make children and young people enthusiastic about mathematics. Established in 2007 on a 55-acre land, the Maths Village was designed by Sevan Nişanyan. In addition to learning mathematics, the Maths Village also has areas where children can spend time with nature and plant flowers and saplings. Everything in the non-profit Maths Village is based on volunteering and everyone takes on a task to the extent of their abilities.

 

Theater Madrasah

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Şirince is a village kneaded with science and art. Designed by architect Sevan Nişanyan to make people love theater and art, Theater Madrasah is a place where artists come together. The aim of Theater Madrasah is to provide people with an art-filled summer with summer camps, workshops, conferences and panels. You can have a month full of theater thanks to MonoFest, where one-man shows are staged every August.

 

Taş Mektep Müzesi

Located at the entrance to Şirince Village, the Taş Mektep Müzesi actually operated as a school until the 1990s. Today, part of the school is open to visitors as a museum, while another part is used as a restaurant and wine house. You can see traces of the modernization process in education in the museum, which is open every day of the week.

 

Saint Dimitrios Church

Built by Greeks living in the region in the 19th century, the church was converted into a mosque by Turks who came to the region after the population exchange. Of the 12 apostle frescoes and decorations on the walls and altar of the church, only the frescoes of Andreas and Markos have survived to the present day. The structure, which was in a state of ruin for a certain period, was reopened to visitors in 2016 after the restoration that began in 2012.

 

Accommodate at Elite World Kuşadası During Your Visit to Şirince 

If you would like to continue your Şirince Village trip by exploring the historical and natural beauties around it, you can benefit from accommodation opportunities that will make your journey more comfortable. Kuşadası, which is 30 km away from Şirince and hosts many historical structures, is an ideal destination for an accommodation experience.

Located in Kuşadası, Elite World Kuşadası offers a 5-star hotel experience with its sea view and proximity to historical and popular places. It meets all your needs with its rooms of different sizes, Elite Restaurant where you can taste Aegean flavors, Vington Pub with its rich wine and beverage options, Fit Life SPA center and meeting rooms. If you would like to combine your Şirince visit with a pleasant accommodation experience, you can contact us right away!