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İzmir & the North Aegean


Guarding the town’s southwestern approaches, the late 17th-century ‘Outer Castle’ can only be seen from the water (on a boat trip) as it’s inside a military zone.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby İzmir & the North Aegean attractions

1. Beşkapılar

3.96 MILES

If you head west past the outdoor sanctuary of Cybele, you’ll come to the city walls and the partially rebuilt Beşkapılar, effectively the docking area of…

2. Kordon

23.33 MILES

It’s difficult to imagine life in İzmir without its iconic seafront kordon (promenade), which stretches north from Cumhuriyet Meydanı to Alsancak and…

3. Arkas Art Centre

23.35 MILES

Occupying a handsome 1906 building that functioned as the French consulate until 2010, this arts centre hosts temporary exhibitions with an Aegean accent…

4. Bet Israel

23.35 MILES

The city’s largest synagogue was built in 1907 and is the largest still-operating Jewish house of worship in the city.

5. Atatürk Monument

23.36 MILES

Dedicated to the Turkish War of Independence, this 1932 monument in Cumhuriyet Meydanı features a sculpture of Atatürk on horseback by Italian sculptor…

6. Konak Pier

23.38 MILES

Designed by Gustav Eiffel and built between 1875 and 1890, this pier served as a customs point until the mid-20th century. Recently converted into a…

7. Zübeyde Hanım Museum Ship

23.39 MILES

Named after Atatürk’s beloved mother, who died in İzmir in 1923, this 50m-long, 307-tonne ferry was built in 1987 and sailed in İstanbul until early 2014,…

8. Atatürk Museum

23.4 MILES

Built as a carpet merchant's residence between 1875 and 1880, this stately white building ended up in state hands after the shocking events of September…