Alsancak & Kordon

Alsancak (historical name La Punta) has been one of the most important and lively districts of İzmir for many years. During the Ottoman period, it stood out as a residential area for the upper-middle class with its elegant houses and rich cultural life. Today, it is a popular center that preserves its unique atmosphere where historical texture and modern life are intertwined.

In Alsancak, you can walk along Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street in particular; along the way, you can discover many restaurants, bars, shops, and live music venues. You can also take a walk along the seaside Kordon or enjoy spending time with a drink facing the sea view.

Kemeraltı & Clock Tower

Kemeraltı is İzmir’s historical bazaar and one of the most lively and authentic spots in the city. Here you can find many shops selling souvenirs, shoes, jewelry, clothing, and copper products. During your visit, do not forget to drink Turkish coffee and try the traditional fortune-telling experience.

İzmir Clock Tower is the symbol of the city and was built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II’s accession to the throne. The structure features column capitals, horseshoe arches typical of North Africa, and a façade without voids. Its architecture is inspired by North African and Andalusian buildings.

Agora Archaeological Site

Agora of Smyrna, alternatively known as Agora of İzmir (Turkish: İzmir Agorası), is an ancient Roman agora located in Smyrna, present-day İzmir, Turkey. It was originally built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC.

The agora was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 178 AD and was later reconstructed under the आदेश of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Archaeological excavations at the site began in 1933. In 2020, the Agora of Smyrna was added to the Tentative World Heritage List by UNESCO as part of “The Historical Port City of İzmir.”

 Selçuk

The ancient city of Ephesus is located within the boundaries of Selçuk district, and its history dates back to 6000 BC. One of the most important structures of the ancient city, the Temple of Artemis dedicated to Artemis, was built on the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill. This magnificent structure is among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Ephesus and its surroundings consist of four main sections: Çukuriçi Mound, Ayasuluk Hill (Selçuk Castle, St. Jean Basilica, İsa Bey Bath and Mosque), Ephesus Ancient City, and the House of the Virgin Mary, and it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. With approximately 9000 years of continuous settlement history, Ephesus has been an important port city, cultural, and commercial center throughout history.

Historical Elevator

It is an elevator tower that houses two elevators between Mithatpaşa Street and the Nihat Bey Street which is at a higher altitude.

The elevator tower has 3 floors. During World War I, the lower floor of the elevator was used as a casino, the middle floor as a photo hall and the upper floor as a cinema. Standing tall for 105 years, the elevator continues to function today as a cafe, bar and restaurant, attracting tourists with its unique view and offering a unique view of İzmir.

Kadifekale

According to the legend, Alexander the Great fell asleep under a plane tree while hunting on Mt. Pagos (Kadifekale). Two Nemesis appear in his dream, asking Alexander to build the new city on the slopes of the hill where he slept. Alexander, waking up from his sleep, consults to Apollo at Claros. According to the interpretation of the orcale, "Smyrnians who will settle in the foothills of Pagos hill near the Sacred Meles Stream will be four times happier than before."

Ancient Smyrna was reestablished on Mount Pagos int he 4th century BCE, at an altitude of 186 meters above sea level. The north and east walls and five towers of the castle, whose east and south walls were completely destroyed, survived. Inside the castle, there is a large arched cistern from the Byzantine period and the remains of a mosque.