Ildırı
Ancient City of Erythrai
One of the Ionian cities, featuring its theater, acropolis, and excavation site with sea views.
History, Heritage and Culture
From the ancient stones of Erythrai to the Genoese castle, from the Ottoman caravanserai to the stone houses of Alaçatı: the peninsula stands on three thousand years of settlement layers.
The Castle That Guards the Harbor
Çeşme Castle was built in the early 16th century to protect the harbor and the trade route; today it houses the archaeology museum. The square in front of the castle, the marina and the bazaar are considered the heart of the peninsula.
- Çeşme Castle and the Archaeology Museum
- The historic bazaar and narrow streets on the castle square
- The Ottoman-era caravanserai — today a hotel and event venue
- Stone mansions bearing the traces of Greek architecture
Places to See
The main historical and cultural stops on the peninsula.
Alaçatı
Stone House Architecture
Cut-stone facades, blue shutters, and narrow streets adorned with bougainvillea.
Alaçatı · Ovacık
Windmills
Historic windmills turning the power of the wind into economy; a sunset point.
Çeşme Center
Kervansaray
A structure dating back to the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, restored and brought into tourism.
Çeşme Center
Churches and Museums
Structures remaining from the Greek period, cultural center and exhibition areas.
Ildırı
Village Texture
A fishing village nestled at the foot of the ancient city; a peaceful day trip.
Timeline
8th c. BC
Erythrai was founded as one of the Twelve Ionian cities.
14th c.
The Genoese trade network used the peninsula as a port.
1508
Çeşme Castle was built; the harbor and bazaar grew up around the castle.
Today
The historic fabric is kept alive together with cultural tourism and gastronomy.
Keep Discovering
More topics and accommodation options.