Çeşme is named after the fountains that made the town a vital port on the Mediterranean’s trade routes. From as early as the Ionian era in the 7th century BC, Çeşme was valued by seafarers for its essential supplies of fresh water.
Today the town and its harbour are still dominated by the 14th century castle, while the narrow streets are home to historic buildings that now house hotels, restaurants and shops, making for a lively and characterful environment.
There is a fascinating museum within the castle, which brings Çeşme’s colourful past to life. Artefacts dating back more than two millennia have been unearthed in the area – evidence of the town’s role in shaping the history of the eastern Mediterranean. A few miles up the coast at Ildir are the ruins of the ancient city of Erythrae, home of the oracle Sybil, with its acropolis and amphitheatre dating from the 3rd century BC.
Today the town and its harbour are still dominated by the 14th century castle, while the narrow streets are home to historic buildings that now house hotels, restaurants and shops, making for a lively and characterful environment.
There is a fascinating museum within the castle, which brings Çeşme’s colourful past to life. Artefacts dating back more than two millennia have been unearthed in the area – evidence of the town’s role in shaping the history of the eastern Mediterranean. A few miles up the coast at Ildir are the ruins of the ancient city of Erythrae, home of the oracle Sybil, with its acropolis and amphitheatre dating from the 3rd century BC.
