Since the great Ottoman Sultans chose Manisa as the training ground for crown princes, there are many examples of Ottoman architecture, as well as Seljuk. The Sultan Mosque of the 16th century was built for Ayse Sultan, mother of Suleyman the Magnificent. In her honor, the Mesir Macunu Festival (Spiced Candy which is supposed to restore health, youth and potency, called “Turkish Viagra” as well) is held every year towards the end of March or April, in the grounds of this mosque.
The Muradiye Mosque of the 16th century was built by the great architect Sinan, and the Murad Bey Medresse now houses the Archaeological Museum of Manisa.
Manisa celebrates the annual Vintage Festival every September when bringing in the fruits of the vineyards is celebrated with excitement. The vineyards surround the city and provide dry fruit for export from Izmir port and grapes for winemaking
Photo by Burcu
The Spil Mountain National Park is a cool spot with a richly forested area, hot springs and a profusion of flowers, especially wild tulips known as Anemon. There are about 120 kinds of endemic plants here. You may go mountaineering or camping in this area as well as seeing the famous “crying rock” of Niobe, and the carving of Goddess Cybele.
Sardis, in Salihli, is one of the most remarkable sightseeing areas of Turkey. It is the ancient capital of Lydia, once ruled by King Croesus, who was the first one to use silver and gold coinage in exchange for goods. Since Sardis encountered earthquakes, most of the remains date back only to Roman times. There are the remains of the temple of Artemis and a restored gymnasium, exhibiting the past splendor of this ancient city. The splendid Synagogue from the 3rd century is worth visiting, with its elaborate mosaics and artfully carved colored-stone panels. Sardis was also one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation of St. John.
Airport Name: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Address: Dokuz Eylül, 35410 Gaziemir/İzmir, Turkey
Code: ADB
Elevation: 126 m
Phone: +90 232 455 00 00
Serves: Izmir, Kusadasi and surrounding areas
We highly recommend booking international and domestic flights with Turkish Airlines. Visit www.turkishairlines.com for prices and times.
If you wish to travel by bus or car please give the details of your journey so we can recommend a local transfer service. You must allow 3 days for us to make suggestions.
All companies we recommend are licensed by TURSAB. It is merely a recommendation we do not take any responsibilities for any of the services recommended on this website.
For areas to visit near Manisa visit https://visit-turkey.org/destination/aegean-region/