THE restoration of St. John’s Church, in the popular tourist haunt of Şirince, near İzmir, has been put out to tender.

The restoration of the Church is part of a protocol among the İzmir Building Survey and Monuments Directorate, Selçuk Municipality and İzmir Governor’s Office.

The restoration of the church will be financed with funds from the governor’s office’s Investment Monitoring and Coordination Directorate. Selçuk Mayor Zeynel Bakıcı said in a statement.“The restoration of the church will start soon.

“The church is highly popular among Christians and especially Catholics. It is important for tourists to worship in a healthier church. Şirince is progressing in terms of faith tourism.”

The bazaar at Şirince, famous for its historic Rum houses, will also be restored.