Things to see and do Izmir - Smyrna

If you have the courage, this is an idea for a nice walk from the agora. This is where the ancient acropolis of Smyrna was located, built by Lysimachus during the reign of Alexander. However, the current walls of the citadel come from the Byzantine period. The view from the fortress, on the gulf, is magnificent. The enclosure would however need a restoration by places. Small restaurant on the spot, with the splendid panorama.

It is the largest building in ancient Smyrna, and the residence of the governor. Located on the waterfront, and in front of the Belediye, stands Saat Kulesi, the Clock Tower, which dates from 1901. 25 meters high and with its elaborate decoration, it has become the emblem of Izmir. The clock was originally a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II. It was designed according to the architectural plans of a French foreman. The tower faces the former location of the customs house.

From Konak, the ferry glides in twenty minutes to Karşıyaka, a peaceful residential area where you will find several cafes and restaurants. Before 1922, this suburb was called Kordelio, a name inspired by Richard the Lionheart who passed through here during the Third Crusade. The beautiful residences in the area were mostly inhabited by Greeks. You will see them as you walk around; they are characteristic, with the roof topped with a finely carved wooden fringe, the indispensable loggia and a facade decorated with bricks. Lively market on Sundays.

The building of the Izmir Archaeological Museum is built on three levels. In the basement and on the ground floor, you will discover some sarcophagi, bas-reliefs and beautiful statues. Also some Roman busts and marble statues from Ephesus. On the first floor are exposed the terracotta objects of the archaic period, jewels, seals and glassware. For lovers of antique remains, this museum can be worth a visit, it concentrates architectural elements of the ancient sites of the Aegean coast, such as the famous Ephesus, Pergamon or Millet.

Housed in a beautiful old building that originally served as a hospital, the small ethnographic museum provides information (unfortunately not enough) on the traditional architecture of Izmir, daily life and customs of the region. Beautiful sculptures. Not to be missed: the Ottoman pharmacy and the bridal room. This is also an opportunity to discover the Zeibeks, a tribe from the vicinity of Izmir, whom Descamps depicted with high conical turbans, huge belts and curved swords, the famous yatağan.