This week, we are exploring Foça, located north of İzmir. This is an old settlement, but unfortunately, we could not show the necessary value and protect the historical ruins. Recently, restoration work has been increased in the area. I hope we will see the positive results of these. However, Foça offers a pleasant getaway opportunity with its current state.
Old Foça Streets: The centre of Foça is called Old Foça, and its streets, where you can feel its historical atmosphere to the end, stretch along the peninsula where it is located. Whichever street you turn to, all paths lead to the sea. Since a large part of the region is under protection as an archaeological site, the construction of any structures is prohibited. That’s why it still preserves its historical image.
Beşkapılar Castle
Beşkapılar Castle and Walls: Beşkapılar or Foça Castle was built in the 11th or 12th century. The Genoese took the castle from the Byzantines and rebuilt it. The Ottomans, who took Foça in 1455, repaired the walls of the castle and added towers between 1538 and 1539.
The castle walls, known as the Phokaia city walls, were included in the UNESCO World Temporary Heritage List in 2013.
This place is known as the five gates because it was used as a boathouse in its time and was the exit point of the boats. While walking towards the castle, you will see the five gates that gave the entrance to the city in ancient times.
Old Foça Port: Foça is a very small place. Its centre consists of restaurants, shops and fishermen built around the small harbour here. Although it is a small place, it is a pleasant place to visit thanks to its historical texture and cute places. Locals call it the Little Sea. The place they call the Great Sea is the other port behind the castle.
Şakir’in Yeri Cafe
Kozbeyli Village: This village, which is quite small, is famous thanks to the dibek coffee at the cafe called Şakir’in Yeri. You can stop by and relax in this authentic cafe to taste Dibek coffee, which is similar to Turkish Coffee. It is enjoyable to watch this quiet village. Address Kozbeyli, Köy Meydani, No:136, 35680 Foça/Izmir.
Boat Tour in Foça and Foça Islands: If you have plenty of time in Foça, famous for its islands, a boat tour is also an option. While you are wandering around the harbour, you will see these boat tours a lot and suddenly find yourself thinking “Should we do this?” even though you have never thought about it.
On boat tours, you visit islands such as Orak Island, Siren Rocks, where Mediterranean monk seals live, and Fig Island, as well as the bays between this route.
Windmills
Windmills: One of the important historical ruins in Foça is Foça Windmills. There are three windmills dating back to the 16th century on the hill overlooking Foça. One of the 3 mills has been restored. You can go up the stairs inside and look at the magnificent view from there. Its address is Fevzipaşa, Mersinaki Cd. 34-1, 35680 Foca/Izmir.
Persian Mausoleum: Persian Mausoleum is located about 7 km east of Eski Foça. This is a tomb monument built under Persian influence in the Lydian / Lykian tradition, dating back to the 4th century BC. It was restored in 2000 and opened to visitors in 2001.
The Persian Mausoleum was created by carving a large rock mass. In the two-storey monument, the burial chamber is located on the lower floor. The tomb was built during the Persian rule in Anatolia. Its address is Yenibağarası, 35680 Foça/İzmir.