Edirne Tour

About the tour

Tour programme

Times follow the programme in the catalogue; there may be small changes depending on traffic, weather and the group's pace.

Places to see

• Selimiye Mosque

  Built for Selim II by Mimar Sinan between 1568 and 1575; Sinan described it as his masterpiece. It stands out for its dome of about 31.5 m in diameter resting on eight piers and its four minarets. Together with its complex, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.

• Bayezid II Complex

  Built for Sultan Bayezid II by the architect Hayreddin between 1484 and 1488. Besides a mosque, madrasa, soup kitchen and bathhouse, it includes the darüşşifa (hospital), which served for about four centuries and is known for treatment with music and the sound of water. Since 1997 the darüşşifa has been the Health Museum of Trakya University.

• Kırkpınar wrestling arena

  The Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling, held every year in late June or early July, has taken place since 1924 in the arena at Sarayiçi in Edirne. The Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

• Meriç Bridge

  Construction of the bridge over the River Meriç began under Mahmud II and was completed in 1843 under Sultan Abdülmecid, which is why it is also known as the Mecidiye Bridge. About 263 m long, the bridge is especially popular for its sunset views.

• Tunca Bridge

  The bridge over the River Tunca was commissioned by the treasurer Ekmekçioğlu Ahmed Pasha between 1608 and 1615; its architect is thought to have been Sedefkâr Mehmed Agha. It lies on the road linking central Edirne with Karaağaç.

• Karaağaç

  A neighbourhood on the Greek border, about 4 km south-west of central Edirne. The historic Karaağaç Station, built in 1890, now belongs to Trakya University; next to it stands the Lausanne Monument and Museum, opened in 1998.

• Old Mosque (Eski Cami)

  Construction began in 1402 under Emir Süleyman Çelebi and was completed in 1414 under his brother Çelebi Mehmed. It is known for its nine domes resting on four piers and the large-scale calligraphy inside.

• Üç Şerefeli Mosque

  Commissioned by Sultan Murad II between 1438 and 1447. It takes its name from its minaret with three balconies (şerefe). With its wide central dome and arcaded courtyard, it is one of the key buildings of early Ottoman architecture and paved the way for the great Ottoman mosques that followed.

Photos

What's covered and notes

Who is it for?

• School and student groupsA pace suited to the age group, planned together with the teacher and group leader.
• History and culture enthusiastsDiscover historic and cultural heritage on site, with a guide's commentary.
• FamiliesA programme that participants of all ages can enjoy together.

Practical information

Frequently asked questions