Sirince, an ancient Orthodox village located 12 km from Ephesus and 90 km from Izmir, Turkey, was once called Cirkince (Ugly). The villagers gave this name deliberately because they did not want to be disturbed by foreigners and share the beauty of their village.
Years later, the visitors realized that the village was not ugly and named it Sirince (Beautiful). As the village is perched on top of a mountain, the view of the impressive wine gardens and peach trees along the road is a delight.
Sirince Village is a quaint little village with a fun history, beautiful scenery, great food, hospitality, and much more.
The lush landscape of Sirince’s natural environment is beautifully complemented by the two-layer architecture of the village’s buildings. The village looks like a painting from afar, and its houses are as fascinating from afar as they are up close. The houses are connected by narrow cobbled streets, giving you the feeling of traveling back in time to the world before cars and modern industry.
Fruit Wines
The village of Sirince is the first and only place that comes to mind when it comes to fruit wine. In fact, the only subject to be criticized is Sirince wines. Unfortunately, the village, which made fruit wine organically until 2010, can no longer make fruit wine organically due to both economic reasons and the difficulties faced by fruit growing. Some of the wine sellers in the village say this, not us. Nowadays, if you look at the label on the back of the fruit wines that you can buy from big markets in many parts of Turkey, you will understand that this is the case.
Unfortunately, they also spoiled the taste of fruit wines in order to produce faster and mass production. When you go to Sirince and do a wine tasting, you will understand what we mean if you remember the taste of old wines. Let it take its place in our travel article as one of the two criticisms we can make about this village.
However; You should try the fruity wines of Sirince, some of which are regulars. Wines made with apples, strawberries, melons, peaches, and bananas will also be fun for you.
Architecture
The Greeks, the original inhabitants of Sirince, were sent to Greece during the population exchange years. The historical houses in the village also contain the architectural features of the typical Greek houses. The windows of the houses, which are generally two-story, are the same size. The lower floors of the houses are masonry, the upper floors are wooden, and all of the houses are painted white.
Compared to the lower floors, the number of windows on the upper floors is more, and they are in a geometric structure. Although the houses are built on the slopes overlooking the village, neither house blocks the sun or view of the other. This feature is also found in Safranbolu historical houses. There are fireplaces in the rooms, and these fireplaces are currently used for decorative purposes.
Sirince will make you feel like you are in a movie with its unique streets and two-layer Greek houses. You will remember Sirince architecture, where nostalgia is at its peak, and you will want to take pictures every time you visit.
Mathematics Village and Theater Madrasa
Although Sirince is a small village, there are many activities, including artistic activities. Theater Madrasa Sirince is a gathering place for artists in all categories, where it is possible to research performing arts and hosts workshops, summer camps, theater camps, panels, and conferences.
Nesin Mathematics Village, located next to the madrasah (old school), is an educational space where people and children devoted to mathematics and science meet.
St. John the Baptist Church Cellar
Saint John the Baptist Church, which was opened to visitors in the past, is a building that is on the list of places to visit in Sirince. The history of the church goes back to ancient times. We recommend you see the church, rebuilt in 1805 and took its current form, during the Sirince tour.
There is also a small wine cellar inside St. John the Baptist Church. You can also do wine tasting here.
What to Do in Sirince Village
You should definitely taste the fruit wines (if you find it organic) and eat the local dishes; we say buy natural products, olive oil, thyme, etc., health products, etc. Then, take pictures of the village from a hill overlooking the village and wake up relaxed early in the morning.
Do not enter the village by car, even if you enter by car, do not enter the side streets by pushing too hard, do not drink if you are going to return the same day with the car while buying wine, find out if it is made from natural fruit.
Sirince village is a village you can visit in all seasons. It isn’t easy to walk in the village square and bazaar, crowded on weekends. Therefore, you can leave your vehicle in one of the parks at the village entrance. Those who try to tour the village with their car in that crowd look really funny. During the week, the village is quieter. Especially all the village houses are on the slopes of the hills, and all the houses see each other. You can always see photographers wandering around the village’s streets and taking pictures.
Of course, there are also places to eat in the village, such as many cafes and restaurants. They are even exaggerated. If you want to smell the town’s air, which will not fall if you throw a needle during the day, and if you’re going to experience the serenity, it is helpful to spend at least one night in the village.
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Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed.
This is my own article from my travel website voyagerland.com
https://voyagerland.com/d/turkey/izmir/sirince-village-an-ancient-town-with-fruit-wines/
See you soon!