Things to See in Gölyazı: The Weeping Plane Tree, Apollonia and Sunset

Gölyazı is a fishing village in Bursa's Nilüfer district, built on a small peninsula on the north side of Lake Uluabat. The ruins of the ancient city of Apollonia, the centuries-old "weeping plane tree", the Aya Konstantin Church and the sunset sinking into the lake are the village's highlights. The whole village can be explored on foot in an hour or two; TatiliYakala's Cumalıkızık, Bursa and Gölyazı tour allows about an hour for Gölyazı.

Where is Gölyazı and what is it like?

Lake Uluabat, west of the Bursa plain, is known for its extensive reed beds and birdlife. Gölyazı sits on a peninsula reaching into the water from the lake's northern shore. The village is said to have once been an island that was joined to the mainland over time. Today it is connected to the mainland by a narrow road.

The village's roots go back to antiquity. Traces of Apolyont (Apollonia), the city founded here, can still be seen in the village and along the shore. In later centuries the village was home to both Greek and Turkish communities, and its character changed with the population exchange in the early years of the Republic.

Places to visit

The weeping plane tree

The centuries-old plane tree in the village square is the symbol of Gölyazı. There are local stories about why the tree, striking for its girth and age, is called the "weeping plane tree". Sitting in its shade with a glass of tea is an essential part of any visit to the village.

Aya Konstantin Church

A legacy of the village's Greek population, the Aya Konstantin Church is one of Gölyazı's important buildings. Left unused for many years, the building stands as a witness to the village's many-layered past. Please treat the building and its surroundings with care during your visit.

Ruins of ancient Apollonia

In and at the entrance to the village you can see remains of the ancient city walls, striking stone blocks here and there and traces of the ancient theatre. Part of the city walls runs along the shore close to the water. These ruins are a reminder that this is no ordinary fishing village.

Trees in the water

One of Gölyazı's most photogenic sights is the trees standing in the lake water. When the water level rises, the trees whose trunks end up in the lake create a misty or luminous atmosphere, especially in the morning and evening.

The shore and fishing boats

You can walk around the village along a narrow shore path. Wooden fishing boats moored at the shore, fishermen mending their nets and birds swimming among the reeds show everyday life in Gölyazı. Short boat trips on the lake run by local fishermen are also an option for seeing the village from the water; these trips are not part of the tour.

Birds and nature

Lake Uluabat is an important wetland for birds and is protected as a wetland of international importance. In spring and summer you can see storks, herons and various waterbirds around the lake. Bringing binoculars adds to the enjoyment for birdwatchers.

Sunset and photography

Gölyazı is a favourite with sunset photographers. When the sun sets over the lake, combined with the silhouettes of the trees in the water and the boats, it creates much-loved shots. On the tour programme you arrive in Gölyazı in the afternoon and leave for the return journey at 17:00; if you want to watch the sunset, you will need to plan a separate visit and stay into the evening, depending on the season. Beautiful shots are possible during the day too. Photo tips:

• Photograph the trees reaching into the water together with the boats from the shore path.
• Capture the trunk of the weeping plane tree with a wide angle, together with the people beneath it.
• Show the texture of the church and the old stone houses in close-ups.

What to eat

Small restaurants by the lake serve lake fish, especially freshwater fish such as catfish and carp. In the village you may also find small stalls selling gözleme and homemade products. For other Bursa specialities, see our article Bursa's local dishes.

When to go

Gölyazı can be visited in any season. Spring and summer are good for seeing birds and walking along the shore. Autumn, with its mild weather and soft light, is lovely for photography. In winter the lake is misty and calm; with fewer visitors, you see the village's quiet side. At weekends, especially around sunset, the village can get crowded.

Gölyazı on the tour

TatiliYakala's Cumalıkızık, Bursa and Gölyazı tour includes breakfast in Cumalıkızık in the morning, historic sites and iskender in Bursa at midday and Gölyazı in the afternoon. During the visit of about an hour in Gölyazı, you see the weeping plane tree, the Aya Konstantin Church, the ancient theatre and the walls. Departure for the return journey is at 17:00.

We describe the first stop of the day in our Cumalıkızık guide and the stops in Bursa in our guide to Bursa's historic sites.

Things to keep in mind while sightseeing

• The village is small, with narrow streets; comfortable shoes are all you need.
• There may be mosquitoes by the lake in the early evening; bring repellent in summer.
• Gölyazı is a living village; please be quiet in front of the houses and in the courtyards.
• Don't leave your rubbish in the lake or on the shore; this is a wetland that needs protecting.

Getting from Bursa to Gölyazı

Gölyazı is west of Bursa city centre and easy to reach by road. Those arriving in their own vehicle use the car parks at the village entrance and explore the village on foot; driving through the narrow streets is both difficult and disruptive for villagers. On group tours, the coach pulls up at the village entrance. As it is easy to combine with the historic sites in central Bursa on the same day, Gölyazı is usually planned as the last stop of a day in Bursa.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Gölyazı?

Gölyazı is a village in Bursa's Nilüfer district, built on a peninsula on the north side of Lake Uluabat.

How long should you spend in Gölyazı?

The village's highlights can be seen in an hour or two. In the catalogue programme, the Gölyazı visit is planned for about an hour.

What is the weeping plane tree in Gölyazı?

It is the centuries-old plane tree in the village square. With its age and girth, it has become the symbol of Gölyazı.

Can you watch the sunset in Gölyazı?

Yes. The sun setting over the lake, with the silhouettes of the trees in the water and the boats, is Gölyazı's best-loved view.