Top Rated Attractions in Tarsus

Located in the ancient city of Tarsus, Gözlükule is an ancient burial mound which has now been converted into a park. The site of the tumulus has been occupied since the Neolithic era when Gözlükule emerged as a flourishing port and town in 2nd millennium BCE. In the following years, Tarsus city was established to the northern end of Gözlükule. Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII entered this city in 41 BCE through the Gözlükule port.

Located a short distance from the historical St Paul's Church, Tarsus Grand Mosque is the biggest one of Tarsus. Constructed by the Ottoman rulers in the year 1579, the mosque's construction was commissioned by Ibrahim Bey from the Ramadanid empire. The information plaque of the structure states that an earlier place of worship existed on the site of Tarsus Grand Mosque which was constructed in the 9th Century by the Abbasid dynasty.

Nusrat Mayın Gemisi, also known as Nusrat Mine Ship is replicated to pay homage to the great mine ship of Turkey. The original Nusrat Mine ship stands as a symbol of victory for the Turkish army in the battle of Canakkale. The mine ship was built in 1982, and houses war weapons and other war material from 1915. The replicated ship is divided into three sections and serves as a museum showcasing collectibles from the war. Some of the collectibles from the war field are the mines, uniform of the captain in command, Captain Hakki and the war series are depicted chronologically. A five minute audio-visual documentary is presented to the patrons depicting the significance of the mine ship on the war field. The second floor of the ship exhibits the painting done by a war soldier. The ship is a trip down the war period and is a must visit, for historical information.

Located adjacent to Tarsus City Stadium, Tarsus Arena is an indoor multi-sports venue in the city of Tarsus. The arena hosts fixtures of basketball, badminton, wrestling, volleyball, karate, boxing and other events. Constructed in the year 1990, the arena now serves as the home turf to the Turkish Women's Basketball League side, Tarsus Belediyespor. Boxing matches of the 2013 Mediterranean Games were also held in Tarsus Arena.

Eshab-ı Kehf is a historical cave and religious destination for both Christians and Muslims. A stair way leads the patrons to the underground area of the cave. A story of the seven sleepers is associated with the cave and is considered as a sacred story due to which it is included in the religious books. The cave is divided into three sections and a mosque is located above it. As the seven youths from the story of the seven sleepers prayed for food and received aid, the cave is known to witness a miracle. The dome like structure and the religious faith of people, has converted the cave into a a multi-religious pilgrimage.