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.

1. Selimiye Mosque

Mosque

One of the greatest works of the famed architect Mimar Sinan, the beautiful Selimiye Mosque is one of Edirne’s most important historic attractions and was built between 1569 and 1575.

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.

2. Sarayiçi

Bridge, Stadium

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.

Fatih Cephanelik Köprüsü, 22000

Edirne | © James Byrum/Flickr

3. 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.

Hamitabat Köyü, 39750 Çeşmekolu Köyü/Lüleburgaz, Kırklareli

4. Grand Synagogue of Edirne

Synagogue

Edirne was once home to more than 20,000 Sephardic Jews and this synagogue, built in 1906 and reopened after a five-year restoration project, is a truly stunning reminder.

5. Kaleiçi

Hotel

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

6. Museum of Health

Mosque, Museum

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.

Yeniimaret Mahallesi, 22000 Edirne Merkez, Edirne

Museum of Health | © KLMircea/Flickr

7. Üç Şerefeli Mosque

Mosque

Quite the majestic sight in Edirne’s town center, Üç Şerefeli was commissioned by Sultan Murat II between 1437 and 1447 and gets its name from the three balconies within the tallest minaret.

8. Old Mosque

Mosque

One of the lesser-known historic structures in Edirne, the Old Mosque was built between 1403 and 1414 and is one of the city’s oldest imperial mosques with beautiful calligraphy in the interior.

9. Sultan Beyazıt II Mosque

Museum

Built between 1484 and 1488, the Sultan Beyazid II Mosque was commissioned by none other than Sultan Beyazid II himself and stands a little way outside the city right by the Tunca River, with a beautiful courtyard complete with a fountain.

10. 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

Mimar Sinan Monument | © CeeGee/Wikimedia Commons

11. Selimiye Foundation Museum

Mosque, Museum

Another attraction within the huge Selimiye Mosque complex, this museum has a collection of art and artifacts from mosques in and around Edirne.

Meydan Mahallesi 22020 Edirne Merkez, Edirne

12. Barbare Vineyard

An essential visit for wine enthusiasts, Barbare has excellent red wines and its rural atmosphere is a welcome break from city life.

Karaağaçlık Mevkii, 59000 Merkez, Süleymanpaşa, Tekirdağ

13. Kırkpınar Evi

Museum

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

Pehlivan | © Raso mk/Wikimedia Commons

14. Edirne Turkish and Islamic Art Museum

Mosque, 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

15. Edirne Archeology and Ethnography Museum

Mosque, 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

Ottoman Textile | © Daderot/Wikimedia Commons

16. Janissary Gravestones

Cemetery, Mosque

Also located within the Selimiye Mosque complex, this special cemetery has the graves of many members of the elite Ottoman Janissary.

Meydan Mahallesi 22020 Edirne Merkez, Edirne

17. Muradiye Mosque

Mosque

Built between 1426 and 1436, the Muradiye Mosque stands out with its orante Iznik tiles and unusual cupola as well as the fact that it used to have a Sufi lodge.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.