Polonezkoy is a heavenly place, a unique village with its success in protecting its green nature and environment around Istanbul. Even on the way the village, passing through the forest road, you’ll feel the peaceful environment. The village itself is a place where you can have the respect, feel yourself free from the crowd, noise and stress of Istanbul.
Popular Sights & Points of Interest
The House of the Memory of Zofia Ryży, where the village history and old photographs are exhibited, the historical Czestochowa’s Mother Mary Church, that was built between 1900-1914, the Polish Cemetery, also home to the tomb of the Mehmet Sadik Pasha’s wife, the house where Ataturk (the founder of Turkish Republic) stayed during his visit to the village, culture house or the open air wooden arts exhibition, are among the most popular places to visit and see in Polonezkoy.
You can also have a nice hiking and nature walking along the five-kilometer walking track of the village’s nature park and witness the impressive views and forest area.
The House of the Memory of Zofia Ryży
Zofia Rizi Memorial Hall is one of the oldest structures in Polonezkoy that was built between 1881-1883 by Wincenty Ryzy, Zofia Rizi’s father. This is one of the most magnificent houses built since ancient times. The house has the characteristics of a typical Polish village house without losing its originality.
Zofia Rizi Memorial House is one of the must-see places for those who want to see photos, documents and memories about the history of the village. It is the historical symbol of the village, and the culture, friendship and hospitality between Poland and Turkey.
If you want to make cultural activity, see the village life and memories of the Polish people living in the village since 1842, and make a kind of a museum visit, than we recommend you visit this house of the Aunt Zofia, which is also one of the oldest houses in the village.
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Polonezkoy Nature Park
Polonezkoy and its Nature Park is one of the rare places that remain green in Istanbul, and the village provides a very ideal environment for nature lovers with its clean air, nature that contains all shades of green.
Polonezkoy Nature Park is a popular weekend route for those who want to escape from the crowd and noise of Istanbul. The park was declared a nature park in 1999 and covers an area of 3000 hectares, it is considered the largest nature park in Istanbul.
You can do a great outdoor sports activity in nature by hiking or nature walking along the pretty roads and the pathways of the village, and along the 5-kilometer walking track.
Wooden Arts Exhibition
The Polonezkoy open-air wooden exhibition is a fantastic place that should be included in the plan of places to visit in the village. The combination of wood with carved art created a unique and beautiful display.
Here you can spend time in touch with nature in a green area and enjoy the various drawings given to trees.
The tree-carved sculpture exhibition by art lovers is worth seeing in the green area in front of the Culture House, just behind the village square.
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Czestochowa’s Mother Mary Church
The Czestochowa’s Mother Mary Church (Church of the Virgin Mary of Czestochova) is one of the most important symbols of Polonezkoy. It is situated in a beautiful garden right at the entrance of the village.
It is still used today for musical performances, festivals and various events. You can also include the Church of Our Lady of Czestochova in your Polonezkoy sights list.
The first religious building built in Polonezköy in 1842 is known as the St. Anna Church. This church was destroyed after the Istanbul earthquake. Then, the Church of Our Lady of Czestochova was rebuilt in 1914 and opened to worship. The church was also used by the Turkish Army as headquarters during the First World War.
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Culture House & Art Gallery
Located in Polonezkoy Square, the Polonezkoy Culture House serves as Polonezkoy Library and Polart Gallery. It is a focal point for social and cultural activities. It hosts many activities during the year. You’ll also find many resources and get information about Polish culture, as well as painting exhibitions and various cultural events.
Read more about Culture House & Art Gallery
Apiculture Museum
The Apiculture Museum located in the village square is a popular place to experience the beekeeping process and buy village’s honey and bee products, such as pollen, royal jelly, propolis and wax. It is one of the oldest shops in the village.
Glass Art Center
The Glass Art Center located on the road from the village square is also a popular place that you can visit and buy a superb range of glass beads among hundreds of glass beads to gift your loved ones.
You can also attend the workshops here and find the opportunity to examine the products made from glass beads, which are the livelihoods of the local people.
