Panagia Pontobasilissa Church (Arched Church)

The most enjoyable period for Tirilye and the Arched Church is between April-June and September-November. During these seasons, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold; the region is calmer, allowing you to comfortably explore its historical texture. In summer, Mudanya and its surroundings are crowded with holidaymakers, and Tirilye also gets its share of this intensity. In winter, a desolate atmosphere sometimes prevails; but in winter light, photos of the stone structures can be quite impressive.

There are regular bus and minibus services from Bursa city center to Mudanya. After reaching Mudanya, you can continue to Tirilye (Zeytinbağı) by minibus or taxi. If you are using a private car, the Mudanya-Tirilye road is quite smooth and takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Since the church is located within Tirilye's historic center, it is much more practical to reach it on foot rather than by car in the town. For those preferring public transport, the nearest stop is Tirilye center, from where the church can be reached with a short walk.

Half an hour to an hour is sufficient for the Arched Church itself. Tirilye is not just about this church; the town also has Taş Mektep (Stone School), old Greek houses, and other historical structures worth visiting. Half a day will be enough to explore all of Tirilye. If you combine it with Mudanya, you can spend a full day exploring this coastal strip of Bursa. It can also be planned as a day trip from Bursa city center.

Departing early from Bursa in the morning, you can first take a short walk along the Mudanya coastline. Then, head to Tirilye to visit the Arched Church; take your time to examine the fresco layers and stone masonry of the structure. After the church, walk through Tirilye's narrow streets to see the old Greek houses and other open historical structures. You can have lunch at the small restaurants in the town. Stopping in Mudanya on the way back for tea by the sea would be a nice conclusion.

The Arched Church, named after its arches, is a photographic subject in itself. The stone masonry and arch details on the exterior facade of the structure provide beautiful images in daylight. Inside, the layered frescoes from different periods offer interesting shots, especially during hours when natural light streams in. The general texture of Tirilye is also rich for photography; narrow streets, old Greek houses, and the church silhouette among the olive groves leave strong impressions.

Tirilye and Mudanya are prominent regions of Bursa for seafood and olive oil dishes. You can find fresh seafood at the fish restaurants lined along the coast in Mudanya. In Tirilye itself, small-scale restaurants serve homemade dishes. The region is also known for its olive oil production; it is possible to buy quality olive oil and olives from local producers. There are also small businesses in Mudanya's bazaar offering breakfast products and local delicacies.

As the church is a religious and historical structure, a respectful attitude is expected during your visit. It is advisable to avoid using flash when taking photos to protect the frescoes. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as the floor and surroundings of the structure consist of old paving. Remember that visiting hours may vary; especially in winter months or on public holidays, the church may be closed. Getting up-to-date information from Mudanya Municipality or the local tourism office before you go will prevent you from wasting time.

The history of the Arched Church dates back to the late 13th century. The structure has been one of the main places of worship for the Greek Orthodox community of Tirilye for centuries. In 1676, the English traveler Dr. John Covel, who visited the region, recorded that the church was dedicated to Panagia Pantobasilissa, meaning the Virgin Mary. The building, whose bell tower and dome were destroyed in the 1855 earthquake, was used as a warehouse for a long time after the population exchange and suffered serious damage during this period. With restoration efforts carried out in the subsequent period, the church, with its layered frescoes on its walls, continues to attract the attention of researchers in terms of both art history and Orthodox iconography.