9.02.2024
6 Dakika
Mersin is one of the most beautiful cities in Türkiye, where the Taurus Mountains meet the Mediterranean coast, and the mountain air mingles with the smell of the sea. The historical richness of the region, an ancient settlement for humanity that recognized the value of this special location thousands of years ago, comprises much more than its natural beauties. In addition to these features, there are countless reasons to visit Mersin, which also boasts local gastronomic delicacies. In this article, we will share 7 of these reasons with you.
Mersin has many Blue Flag beaches along a long coastline where you can relish the Mediterranean Sea. Ideal for those planning a wonderful seaside vacation, some of these beaches have facilities with a variety of services, while others offer the opportunity to be alone with a more pristine nature.
It is believed that the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I had the Maiden's Castle built on an island, overlooking the ancient city of Korykos. In the 13th century, the castle underwent an extensive restoration, but it doesn’t show the corrosive effects of its almost thousand years of history and remains a very impressive sight even from a distance. The castle is very close to the shore and can be reached by pedal boats or even by swimming. Speaking of which, the shores of the Maiden's Castle are also a very popular location for swimming in Mersin.
Yerköprü Waterfall, located on Ermenek Stream, is a fascinating natural beauty protected as a natural monument. You can feel like you are in a magical forest when sitting next to this waterfall in the middle of the lush greenery and watching the breathtaking canyon formed by Ermenek Stream.
These two sinkholes, formed by the collapse of the ground above a cavity created by an underground water eroding the rocks in the Taurus Mountains, offer a surprising view with their appearance resembling two gigantic holes. The site is also home to the ruins of a Temple of Zeus and the Church of the Virgin Mary, thus having a place in mythological narratives. If you are curious about the place of Heaven and Hell in mythological narratives, you can read our blog post titled “Home of the Formidable Mythological Creature Typhon”.
Mersin delights its visitors not only with its historical sites and natural beauties but also with the unique flavors of its rich cuisine. The city is famous for its signature dish, tantuni, as well as cezerye, a dessert made with carrots, and a cookie called kerebiç. Mersin also has countless restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, and also taste blue crab, which is found in very few places in the world.
Tarsus, which holds a very important place in the history of Christianity and is thought to be the birthplace of one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, is a rich cultural nest that has been the subject of extensive articles and writings. One of the important centers of the ancient Cilicia Civilization, it is home to Roman ruins such as the Historic Roman Road and Roman Baths, Cleopatra's Gate, Roman tombs, Justinian Bridge, as well as a church dedicated to St. Paul and a well named after him. The Cave of the 7 Sleepers, which is considered sacred by both Christians and Muslims, is also located within the borders of the district. The Tarsus Museum, where the artifacts unearthed from all these ruins are exhibited, has a must-see collection.
While visiting a special city such as Mersin, an important settlement throughout the history of mankind, of course, it is a must to visit the city's museum. In the Mersin Museum, where 9,000-year-old artifacts unearthed from Yumuktepe Mound are exhibited, you can explore Cilician artifacts such as the Nagidos Inscription.
