Mersin greets its visitors most heartily with its lovely beaches, wonderful Mediterranean nature and climate, local cuisines, and different tastes. This magnificent city, where you may swim on its sustainable “Blue Flag” beaches in the summer, is ideal for exploring at any time of year. The Mediterranean, with its ruins from various times and its historical background, is likewise a particularly rich place in this regard. Mersin and its surrounding areas have a variety of wonderful places to explore.
Begin a new journey in Mersin, one of the country’s major cities, where nature, history, and culture are intertwined.
Mersin Naval Museum
The Mersin Naval Museum is a significant destination in the city centre that sheds light on the history of Turkish naval warfare. It is a well-equipped maritime research institution with a library of about 500 objects and approximately 800 books. The Museum, one of the destinations most visited by sea enthusiasts, provides vital knowledge about the history of naval warfare with its 450 square meter exhibition area. The exhibit is visually reinforced with the finds presented here. In the exhibition hall, you may see military uniforms, oil paintings, weaponry, banners, and model ships. The museum’s model shipbuilding workshop also provides visitors with a unique experience.
Mersin Marina
Mersin Marina is the largest marina in the Eastern Mediterranean, located six kilometres west of Mersin Port. It is located in Yenişehir, one of Mersin’s main districts, and is easily accessible. Aside from the area where the yachts are docked in the marina, the fact that it is interlaced with the shopping centre gives a new dimension to the city’s social life. In the marina, you will find a yacht club, a sports centre, an amphitheatre, and various entertainment areas. The beach restaurants serve Mediterranean cuisine to their customers, who enjoy their meals while being bathed by sea breezes. If you wish to spend more time in this vibrant part of the city that is interlaced with blue, you can choose a hotel in Mersin at Odamax.
Mersin Atatürk Museum
The Mersin Atatürk Museum, one of the greatest examples of civil architecture, is located in the city centre. The building, the construction of which was completed in 1897, is also known as the Krisman Mansion. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed here with his wife Latife Hanım at the beginning of 1925. The Atatürk Museum stands on the first level of a two-story building with a clean-cut stone facade. Over 20 of Atatürk’s prized personal possessions of were brought from Ankara and exhibited here. The Turkish Revolutionaries (Kuvayi Milliye) corner, which is adorned with photographs, is located at the upper floor’s entrance. Mersin Atatürk House is a must-see on the cultural route of the city tour.
Yumuktepe Mound
The Yumuktepe ruins mound, is located in the Taurus Mountains, one of the city’s major districts. It has a long history extending back to the Neolithic Age; but it was only uncovered in the 20th century. It was found as a consequence of British archaeologist John Garstang’s research in this area from 1936-to 1938. As a consequence of the research conducted here, castle-like structures were found, prompting speculation that the discoveries were the world’s earliest example of a castle. Among the ruins is also a settlement showing 33 distinct levels of occupation. The Mersin Museum has a close-up view of the ruins discovered here.
Soli-Pompeiopolis Ancient City
Soli Ancient City, one of Mersin’s most magnificent icons, was founded by the Dorians in 700 BC and became the region’s ancient port after some time. The aforementioned port area is the most pleasant areas of the ancient city. The port city was at its peak in the Hellenistic Period, under the rule of the Seleucid Empire. The city has stood witness to the Persian, Macedonian, Armenian, Roman and Byzantine periods. There are still standing structures that greet visitors in all their glory. The ruins, complete with colonnaded main road, reliefs, remains of baths, and port structures, are available to the public. Note: Be aware that excavations in this area are still ongoing.
Kuyuluk Nature Park
Kuyuluk Nature Park, located in one of the central districts of Mezitli, was designated a national park in 2011. Oleander, Blueberry, Turkish pine, Acacia saligna, and pine trees grow in the park’s lush forests. The natural park is home to a variety of animals, including sparrows, lizards, and the little owl (athene noctua), also known as the owl of Athena. It is a lovely area for tranquil and peaceful walks in an oxygen-rich environment. Despite being in the city, the environment it is a quiet and clean. Consider visiting during the week, when it is less crowded, and you may have a more enjoyable time.
St. Anthony Latin Catholic Church of Mersin
The church’s construction, which draws notice with its unique style in the city centre, started in 1853 under a decree from Sultan Abdülmecid. The church, also known as St. Anthony’s Cathedral, was built of cut limestone and is famed for its clock tower. The management of the church and monastery was given to the Lebanese monks after its completion in 1898. The Italian Catholic Church, a monumental structure with a courtyard, is recognized for its lighthouse-like structure because it was built on the coast at the time. Although it eventually was situated 300 meters inland by back-filling in the waters, it served as a guide for ships entering the port. The church is still available for prayer to Catholics in and near Mersin. You should include this culturally rich area of Mersin in your plan.
