Nestled on the Aegean coast, Foça (ancient Phocaea) is one of the most historically rich and culturally evocative towns in western Türkiye. With roots stretching back more than 2,500 years, Foça offers visitors a rare blend of ancient heritage, maritime culture, and timeless Aegean life.

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Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking inspiration by the sea, Foça and its surroundings reveal stories etched in stone, sea, and tradition.

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Ancient Phocaea (Phokaia)

Founded by the Ionians in the 11th century BC, Ancient Phocaea was one of the most powerful maritime cities of the ancient world. Its sailors established colonies across the Mediterranean, including Marseille (Massalia).

Today, visitors can explore:

• Remnants of ancient city walls

• Archaeological layers from Ionian, Roman, and Byzantine periods

• Excavation areas revealing Foça’s role as a major naval power

These ruins are woven into the modern town, creating a unique dialogue between past and present.

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Eski Foça is the heart of the town’s cultural life. Narrow cobblestone streets, restored Ottoman and Greek stone houses, and seaside cafés reflect Foça’s multicultural past.

Highlights include:

• Traditional Aegean architecture

• Local artisan shops

• Historic harbor views once used by ancient fleets

Walking through Eski Foça feels like stepping into a living museum.

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Beş Kapılar Castle (Five Gates Castle)

Located by the waterfront, Beş Kapılar Castle dates back to the Byzantine and Genoese periods and once served as a defensive stronghold protecting the harbor.

The remaining stone walls and arches offer:

• Insight into Foça’s medieval history

• Beautiful sea views, especially at sunset

• A dramatic setting for photography and quiet reflection

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Siren Rocks (Sirena Kayalıkları)

According to mythology, these rocks were home to the Sirens, whose songs lured sailors in Homer’s Odyssey. Rising from the sea just offshore, the Siren Rocks add a mythical dimension to Foça’s landscape.

They symbolize:

• Foça’s ancient maritime legends

• The town’s deep connection to Greek mythology

• The timeless mystery of the Aegean Sea

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Persian Rock Tombs

Carved into the cliffs surrounding Foça, the Persian Rock Tombs date back to the 4th century BC and are among the rare examples of Persian funerary architecture in Anatolia.

These tombs reflect:

• Foça’s importance during the Persian era

• The cultural layers that shaped the region

• A quieter, lesser-known historical site for curious explorers

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Foça Archaeological Open-Air Areas

Throughout Foça, visitors will encounter open-air archaeological sites integrated into daily life — ancient stones beside cafés, ruins near the harbor, and historical remnants along walking paths.

This seamless blend of history and modern life is one of Foça’s most distinctive qualities.

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Cultural Life & Local Traditions

Beyond monuments and ruins, Foça’s culture lives on through:

• Aegean cuisine rooted in olive oil, seafood, and wild herbs

• Fishing traditions still practiced in the harbor

• Local festivals celebrating music, art, and maritime heritage

Foça remains a town where history is not only preserved — it is lived.

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Discover Foça with Lola38

At Lola38, we believe that true travel is about connection — to place, history, and atmosphere. Foça’s cultural richness and tranquil spirit make it the perfect destination for guests seeking authenticity, beauty, and meaning.

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Let Foça’s past guide your journey, and allow its timeless Aegean charm to stay with you long after you leave.

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