Kemalpaşa Castle (Nif Castle)
In the 13th century, during the Byzantine period, it was an important castle.
View on map8 places to visit in the Kemalpaşa district of Izmir: Kemalpaşa Castle (Nif Castle), Nif (Nymphaion) Ancient City and Kemalpaşa Cherry Orchards. Plan your trip to Kemalpaşa with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The district centre is 205 metres above sea level.
The city known in antiquity as Nymphaion has changed its name over time. In the 13th century it gained importance as the winter residence of the Nicaean emperors. The city was captured by the Saruhan Beylik in 1315.
To the west of the district lie Bornova and Buca, and to the south lie Torbalı and Bayındır districts. Nif Mountain lies within the district boundaries.
The cherries grown in the district have received a geographical indication.
The ancient and medieval name of Kemalpaşa was Nymphaion. In the 13th century, Emperor John III Doukas Vatatzes had a palace built here, whose remains are well preserved to this day. The district was renamed Kemalpaşa in 1923, in commemoration of Mustafa Kemal Paşa’s visit to the district in 1922. Kurudere village took the name Nazarköy with the approval of the Ministry on 20 March 2007. The Kemalpaşa Golden Cherry Culture and Arts Festival has been held since 1936 to reward the best cherry growers.
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In the 13th century, during the Byzantine period, it was an important castle.
View on mapNymphaion, founded in the 3rd century BC, was an important settlement in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Excavations have revealed the remains of a theatre, an agora and a temple.
View on mapA historic structure visible from the entrance to the district; over time it has become a symbol of the district.
View on mapA mound known for its Neolithic layers; excavations were carried out there between 1997 and 2012.
View on mapKemalpaşa is one of Türkiye's most important cherry-producing centres. The cherry orchards, which bloom between April and June, offer a visual feast.
View on mapA mountain dominating Kemalpaşa district; it is one of the 19 mountains called Olympos in antiquity. Excavations have been carried out in a Roman-period urban area at its foot.
View on mapA farm in the forest at the foot of Nif Mountain that introduces Central Asian Turkic culture and has a Central Asian restaurant.
View on mapEvil-eye beads and glass decorative items have been produced in Nazarköy since around 1950.
View on mapWhile you are in Kemalpaşa, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.
Made by baking balls of dough made with Kemalpaşa cheese and soaking them in syrup. Known across Türkiye as 'Kemalpaşa tatlısı', this dessert is a geographically indicated product of the district.
Jam, compote and cake made with Kemalpaşa's famous cherries are sold in local patisseries.
Harvested in Kemalpaşa, these are among the first cherries to be harvested in the northern hemisphere; they are the district's well-known local product.
The Kemalpaşa Cherry Festival, held every year in June, celebrates the cherry harvest. During the festival, cherry-eating competitions, concerts and local product stalls are organised.
Kemalpaşa's economy is based on agriculture and industry. Cherry production is the district's most important source of agricultural income. Production in the food, textile and machinery sectors takes place in the Kemalpaşa Organised Industrial Zone.
Kemalpaşa is 30 km from Izmir. Regular bus and minibus services run from Izmir.
The 8 highlights of Kemalpaşa are Kemalpaşa Castle (Nif Castle), Nif (Nymphaion) Ancient City, Kemalpaşa Cherry Orchards, Kemalpaşa Maiden's Tower (Laskaris Palace), Nif Mountain, Ulucak Höyük, Nazarköy and Alaş Kazak Valley Kumis Farm.
Kemalpaşa Tatlısı, Cherry Desserts and Kemalpaşa Cherries are the standout dishes at Kemalpaşa's tables.
Kemalpaşa is known for its Kemalpaşa Cherries and its Cherry Festival. It is a registered product with a protected designation of origin from TÜRKPATENT.
Kemalpaşa is 30 km from Izmir. Regular bus and minibus services run from Izmir.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: May to June (cherry season).