Secreted high in the inland hills among wild orchards and rolling groves, Sirince Village is a scenic little village dotted with a dollhouse collection of stone and stucco houses. The area was probably settled when Ephesus was abandoned, but what you see today mostly dates from the 19th century. The story goes that a group of freed Greek slaves moved here in the 15th century and called the village Çirkince (Ugliness) to deter others from following. The name was changed to the more honest Sirince (Pleasantness) in the 1920s during the founding of the new republic.
Before Atatürk’s republic, Sirince was a larger town inhabited by Ottoman Greeks. The current villagers, who moved here from Salonica during an exchange of populations in 1924, are ardent fruit farmers who also make and sell an interesting assortment of wines. Flavours range from raspberry and peach to the trendier black mulberry and pomegranate.
Sirince Village is by no means the ‘undiscovered gem’ as usually marketed in other guidebooks. In fact, it’s the village’s widely known reputation for authenticity that has marked the start of its demise. During the day, souvenir shops run the entire length of the main street as vendors try to lure you in using a smattering of catcalls in different languages. Visitors who ignore this and stay the night (at a stiff premium, of course) will be well rewarded with the chance to see the real village after the tour buses have gone.
Sights & Activities
If you’re trying to avoid the crowds then it’s best to visit in the evening when the droves of daytrippers have long retreated from the mountains 3pm is about the busiest time of day. Şirince’s charm lies in its subtleties, so your time is best spent simply ambling around the crooked cobbled lanes and admiring the adorable architecture.
The ruined Church of St John the Baptist ( 8am-8pm summer, 8.30am-6.30pm winter) is of limited interest. Faded frescoes adorn the walls, which date back to Byzantine times. Funds are scarce, so restorations have yet to turn the space into more than a sanctuary for cawing birds.
Sleeping
Sirince is a captive market, and room rates can be ludicrously inflated for what you get.
Shopping
These days almost every house on the village’s main street has been transformed into a storefront selling a variety of local wares, namely fruit wine. Ask to sample your wine of choice before making the purchase it’s not everyone’s cup of tea some of the flavours taste a bit too much like cough syrup. Other shops sell olive oil, soaps and leather goods, usually crafted locally (it’s best to ask). It’s worth stopping by Demetrius of Ephesus (Sirince Köyü 26) , a local artisan who crafted most of the jewellery and trinkets for the movie Troy you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the photo of Brad Pitt hanging above the cash register.
Lovely little wine village, cobbled streets and shops where you can see the glass blower at work,taste the wine and see pottery being made.
I was the only person from my hotel to take this trip. It wasn't really promoted, just a black and white photocopied leaflet, in my welcome pack at the hotel. I was collected by a coach from another hotel, with their guests/guide. For me, this was my highlight. It is like time has stood still here.
Windy , twisty road up the mountainside with rows of olive trees , nice view over the valleys . Enjoy before you get the beautiful village that is totally devoted to tourists. Upon entering the town you pay to park 3 L. Then there are many streets with all the same souvenirs ( light shirts, knitted cats, socks etc )…
It's not always about going to the attractions, but you should also visit the locals & feel their way of life… Sirince is one place like that… We went into the village & met these two old age women, friends of ours, with whom we later roamed around… Fruits, clothing, nice restaurants & WINE is what you'll find the most……
As I said in an earlier review, imagine little Greek houses plunked down in the middle of the Italian countryside and that's Sirince.
This little village is at the end of a hilltop road, one that is dotted with olive trees, small farms, fruit orchards, and any number of sheep. Sirince is full of whitewashed buildings, narrow roads more suited…
A great way to spend a couple of hours wandering through a small village in the mountains, especially if you like the market
Our main purpose of staying in Selcuk was to visit Epheus, but we heard a lot about the small hillside town of Sirince. Originally settled by Greeks, then Christians . . . then in Greek exchanges of 1924 Muslims resettled here. A faming community and winemaking area . . . we had a few hours to visit.
Nice quite village fanmous of its wines. nice food and wine is common. relaxing atmosphere is an extra.
You may have a good time in Sirince.
One of the highlights of our 10 day cruise was a trip to Ephesus and Sirince. This is a lovely little mountain village in Turkey where people go about their business and are willing to welcome visitors without any pretensions, commercial tourism or pushy sales tactics. Wonderful little old town square with coffee places, shops and bistros.