Things to Do in Mersin: Places and Attractions

Located in the Akdeniz district of Mersin, the Old Üçocak School was established in the 19th century as a Catholic school by French Capuchin friars. It came under state control in 1923 and continued to be used as a school. The building served as a primary school for many years and is currently out of use and undergoing renovation. It is located 223 meters from Mersin Garı train stop.

Tece Castle is a ruined castle in Mersin Province, southern Turkey.

Yeniyurt Castle is a castle ruin in Mersin Province, Turkey. The ancient name of the castle is not known. Yeniyurt is the name of a nearby village.

Öküzlü is an archaeological site in Mersin Province, Turkey.

Kuzucubelen Castle is a castle ruin in Mersin Province, Turkey. At 36°50′31″N 34°25′57″E it is in Mezitli ilçe of Mersin Province. Its distance to Mersin is 34 kilometres It is situated to the west of the village with the same name.

Historic & Cultural

Şamlıgöl is a historic site located in the Erdemli district of Mersin. Erdemli has a rich historical past, having hosted many civilizations from the Hittites to the Ottomans. The region contains significant historical and cultural assets such as the ancient cities of Kızkalesi, Korikos, and Elaiussa Sebaste.

Örendibi is an ancient historic site located in Sömek village, Silifke district, Mersin, with a history dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Animal breeding and farming are the main economic activities in the area.

Kurtuluş is a historic site in the Akdeniz district of Mersin, featuring a monument erected in 1975 by sculptor Tankut Öktem. The monument symbolizes Mersin's liberation from French occupation. It is within walking distance of the Kent Tarihi Müzesi (733 m), Eski Üçocak Okulu (239 m), and Tütüncüzade Konağı (549 m). The nearest public transport is the Yolcu Salonu Gümrük Müdürlüğü ferry stop (231 m).

The Çatıören Hermes Temple, located in the Erdemli district of Mersin, is situated in the region archaeologists call Olba Territorium. This Hellenistic temple is believed to have been built in the 1st or 2nd century BC. The temple features four walls, a staircase, and a Caduceus relief. It is located 23 meters from Çatıören.

Historic & Cultural

The 2013 Mediterranean Games, officially known as the XVII Mediterranean Games and commonly known as Mersin 2013, was an international multi-sport event held from 20 to 30 June 2013 in Mersin, Turkey. Mersin was announced as the host city at the General Assembly of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (CIJM) on 23 February 2011. Mersin is the second city in Turkey after İzmir to host the Mediterranean Games. All 24 member National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of the ICMG participated in the Games. The official programme for the Games is featuring events in 27 different sports.

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Pityussa, Pityusa or Pityoussa, is an ancient settlement and shipyard located on Dana Island, an island belonging to the Silifke district of Mersin province, in the Mediterranean. The ancient city, founded together with Aphrodisias, which is located on the mainland immediately to its west, gained independent status during the Roman Period and took the name Pityussa. The island city developed close commercial relations with important centers such as Cyprus, Egypt, Aphrodisias, Komardias, Holmi, and Seleukeia.

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The İsmet İnönü Monument, located in the Akdeniz district of Mersin, is a statue erected in 1946 by Governor Tevfik Sırrı Gür in memory of İsmet İnönü, the second President of the Republic of Turkey. The monument is within walking distance of Mersin Garı train stop (102 m). It is also 578 meters from the Kent Tarihi Müzesi, 131 meters from the Eski Üçocak Okulu, and 431 meters from the Tütüncüzade Konağı.

Historic & Cultural

Şahmeran is a monument in Tarsus representing Şahmeran, a mythological creature that is half-woman and half-snake. It is an important part of Tarsus' cultural heritage and holds a significant place in local folklore. The monument is located in the middle of a fountain at a large roundabout, about 100 meters north of the Ulu Cami and the Church of St Paul in Tarsus city center. Tarsus Museum (474 m), Ancient Road (410 m), and Donuktaş Temple (564 m) are within walking distance.

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The Bezmialem Valide Sultan Fountain, located in Mersin's Akdeniz district, is a significant historical structure from the Ottoman period. It was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1861 or 1865 in the name of his mother, Bezmialem Valide Sultan. The fountain stands out with its triangular pediment and cut stone masonry, reflecting the eclectic architectural style of 19th-century Ottoman architecture. It is within walking distance of the Kent Tarihi Müzesi (275 m) and Tütüncüzade Konağı (151 m).

Tarsus Clock Tower is a clock tower located in the Tarsus district of Mersin. It is situated at the northeast corner of the Grand Mosque, and its construction was encouraged by Ziya Bey, the District Governor of Tarsus at the time. In 1894, Feyzullah Ağa, from the gentry of Frengülüs village, had a clock tower built in Tarsus city center at a cost of 25 thousand kuruş and had a large clock brought from Europe.

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