Tirilye (Zeytinbağı) Travel Guide: Stone School, Historical Churches and Olive Heritage

History of Tirilye and the Origin of its Name

The coastal town of Bursa's Mudanya district, Tirilye (formerly known as Zeytinbağı), has been one of the most sheltered fishing ports of the Marmara Sea since ancient times. There are two strong rumors about the origin of the name: First, three Genoese pirate chiefs (Triglia) settled here; The second is that it is derived from the Greek word 'Trigleia', meaning red mullet fish.

The town, which hosted a dense Greek population before the population exchange, has become famous for centuries for sericulture, winemaking and especially the Tirilye Olive, the world's best quality table black olive. Today, it offers an unspoilt Mediterranean atmosphere with its narrow streets, wooden houses with bay windows, churches and fishermen's shelters.

Historical Buildings to See in Tirilye

1. Monumental Stone School

The Stone School, the most imposing structure in the town, was built in neoclassical style by Metropolitan Hrisostomos, a native of Tirilye, in 1909. The four-storey, monumental building with giant columns is large enough to compete with its counterparts in the west. It is known that the President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios, also studied at this school. The building, which served as a Darülyetim (orphanage) and primary school during the Republican period, has now been restored and turned into a cultural and academy center.

2. Fatih Mosque (Old Aya Todori Church)

M.S. The historical Byzantine church, dating back to the 8th century, was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1560. The marble columns and Byzantine reliefs on its gate preserve their originality. It is an example of the fusion of cultures with its wooden minaret and Ottoman mihrab added to it.

3. Arched Church (Panagia Pantobasilissa)

It is considered one of the first churches with frescoes on its walls in the history of world Christianity. It is a rare example of 13th century Byzantine domed architecture.

4. Dündar House (Old Greek Church)

It is a magnificent 19th century masonry stone arched church building, which became private property after the departure of the Greeks and was used as a residence.

Where and How to Get to Tirilye?

Tirilye is 42 km away from Bursa city center and 11 km away from Mudanya district center, on the Marmara coast.

• By minibus: You can reach the town in 15 minutes with the Tirilye coastal minibuses that depart every 15 minutes from in front of the Mudanya BUDO or İDO ferry pier.
• By Private Vehicle: You can have a pleasant drive by going down from Bursa to Mudanya and following the historical Tirilye coastal road, which follows the coast with winding roads and sea views.
• Parking: Since the narrow streets in the town center are closed to traffic, it is recommended that you leave your car in the municipality parking lot along the beach.

What to Do in Tirilye? Editor's Recommendations

• Genuine Tirilye Olives and Oil: Buy the famous Tirilye pickled olives and cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, with thin skins, small seeds and plenty of flesh, from the historical olive shops in the town bazaar.
• Fish Feast on the Beach: Watch the sunset with fresh seasonal fish, sea beans and squid at the seaside restaurants next to the fisherman's shelter.
• View Break at Çamlı Kahve: Go up to Çamlı Kahve, under the centuries-old pines at the top of the town, watch the entire Marmara Sea and the silhouette of İmralı Island from above and drink tea.