Bornova Levantine Mansions Route

Route and Why This Order

This route brings together Bornova's 19th-century Levantine heritage with traces of İzmir's oldest settlement. It begins at Paterson Mansion, İzmir's largest Levantine mansion; with 38 rooms, this is the day's most architecturally striking stop, so it opens the route. A walk brings visitors to nearby Mattheys Mansion — visited by Mustafa Kemal in 1922, this separate structure, not to be confused with Paterson Mansion, follows right after. St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church and Santa Maria Catholic Church, which show the religious life of the local Levantine community, are visited as one block since they lie close together. The route ends at Yeşilova Mound, İzmir's oldest known settlement — closing the day with a journey back thousands of years, from the 19th century to 6500 BC, is the way to show Bornova's layered history in full.

Duration, Distance and Transport

The total walking distance between stops is about 5.5 km; the route takes 3-4 hours. The short distances between the mansions and churches can be walked; a short car transfer may be needed to reach Yeşilova Mound.

When to Go

Visiting the mansions and churches on weekday daytime hours increases the chance that interiors are open; some mansions may be reserved for private events, so checking ahead is recommended.

Local Tip

Beyond the mansions, the streets of Bornova's old Levantine neighborhood hold smaller-scale residential buildings from the same era; walking slowly through these streets between the main stops enriches the route.