18 Must-Visit Attractions in Edirne
Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne is full of stunning structures that speak of its rich past as the main seat of a once powerful empire. From mosques to museums, the famed vineyards of Thrace to the city’s famous oil wrestling festival, here are all the sights you have to visit whilst in Edirne.
Selimiye Mosque
Mosque
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival
Held annually since 1346, wrestlers from all over Turkey train all year to take part in the major Kırkpınar tournament that lasts for three days and declares the başpehlivan (champion) with a golden belt.
Sarayiçi
Bridge, Stadium
Sarayiçi
Past the historic bridge, this area was once the location of Sultan Murat II’s Old Palace, which was built in the 15th century, Sarayiçi is now the home of the Kırkpınar stadium as well as the rebuilt kitchens where Ottoman palace cuisine began.
Arcadia Vineyards
Arcadia Vineyards
Turkey’s historic Thrace area is now home to some of its best boutique vineyards and Arcadia is one of the major standouts, abiding to sustainable viticulture with low intervention.
Grand Synagogue of Edirne
Synagogue
Kaleiçi
Hotel
Kaleiçi
Edirne’s old city, Kaleiçi is full of beautiful timber houses dating back to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, some of which have been restored, such as the beautiful Mihram Hanım Konağı.
Dilaverbey Mahallesi, Dilaver Bey Mah. Gazipasa Cad. No:30 Kaleici, 22100 Edirne
Museum of Health
Mosque, Museum
Museum of Health
Set within the Sultan Beyazıt Mosque, the former Ottoman hospital now features a museum displaying the history of Islamic medicine including the story of innovative treatments via mannequins in traditional Ottoman era doctor’s garb.
Üç Şerefeli Mosque
Mosque
Old Mosque
Mosque
Sultan Beyazıt II Mosque
Museum
Mimar Sinan Statue
Mimar Sinan Statue
The chief architect and civil engineer of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan built 300 major structures and this statue in Edirne is a homage to a man whose apprentices would later help design the Taj Mahal.
Meydan Mahallesi 22020 Edirne Merkez, Edirne
Selimiye Foundation Museum
Mosque, Museum
Selimiye Foundation Museum
Another attraction within the huge Selimiye Mosque complex, this museum has a collection of art and artifacts from mosques in and around Edirne.
Barbare Vineyard
Barbare Vineyard
An essential visit for wine enthusiasts, Barbare has excellent red wines and its rural atmosphere is a welcome break from city life.
Kırkpınar Evi
Museum
Kırkpınar Evi
If you had the chance to attend the Kırkpınar Festival, then you should definitely check out this small museum which displays the story of the historic tournament including press clippings and photographs.
Dilaverbey Mahallesi, Balık Pazarı Cd. No:27, 22020 Edirne Merkez, Edirne
Edirne Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
Mosque, Museum
Edirne Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
Located within the Selimiye Mosque’s courtyard, this small house displays a beautiful collection of Ottoman era calligraphy, weapons, ceramics, glass, costumes, woodwork, and jewelry.
Meydan Mahallesi, Zehrimar Cami Sok., 22020 Edirne Merkez, Edirne
Edirne Archeology and Ethnography Museum
Mosque, Museum
Edirne Archeology and Ethnography Museum
Behind the Selimiye Mosque you’ll find this museum, exhibition highlights include wooden objects that showcase the Ottoman era Edirnekâri lacquering technique, carpets, textiles, calligraphy, and jewelry.
Abdurrahman Mahallesi, 1 Yore Dergisi Sayi: 12, 22100 Edirne Merkez, Edirne
Janissary Gravestones
Cemetery, Mosque
Janissary Gravestones
Also located within the Selimiye Mosque complex, this special cemetery has the graves of many members of the elite Ottoman Janissary.
Muradiye Mosque
Mosque
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