History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Historical Değirmendere Waterside Houses are masterpieces of wooden civil architecture built on the southern shores of Izmit Bay during the Late Ottoman and Early Republic periods of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This historical texture, one of Kocaeli's rare seaside waterside settlements, consists of 12 registered historical mansions that have been restored faithfully to their originals. The complex includes Ali Özbay Wooden Sculpture Museum, Ceramics Museum, library, boutique hotel and culture and arts workshops. The bay windows of the houses, their wooden handcrafted decorations and the windows overlooking the bay carry the waterside mansion culture of the past to the present. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located at sea level on the Değirmendere coastline in Gölcük district of Kocaeli. The calm Izmit Bay lies in front of you and the green slopes lie behind you. Centuries-old plane, palm and linden trees are lined along the promenade. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to historical streets and museum areas is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Museums and facilities within the complex are open 7 days a week between 09:00 - 22:00; The coastal promenade can be visited 24 hours a day.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The coastline and the courtyards of the mansions are completely flat and very suitable for stroller and wheelchair access.•Facilities and Facilities:Cafes and restaurants, art gallery, boutique guest house, beach rest benches, children's playground and WC facilities are available. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Değirmendere Yalı Mahallesi, Saniye Altuncu Sokak, No:4, 41320 Gölcük/Kocaeli.•Road Conditions and Vehicle Suitability: It can be easily reached by going down the D-130 Izmit-Yalova highway to the Değirmendere coastal turnout; All roads are marked with hot asphalt and signs.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can directly reach the Yalı Evleri stop by Gölcük-Değirmendere buses and minibuses numbered 721, 722, 731 departing from Izmit Community Center and West Terminal. It is also possible to reach by sea via Izmit-Gölcük-Değirmendere sea bus/ferry services.•Parking Availability:There are municipal open parking areas along the coastal road and near the mansions. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Compositions of colorful wooden bay-windowed mansions with the sea and open-air wooden sculptures give magnificent nostalgic shots, especially in the evening blue hours when the lanterns are lit.•Light and Shooting Hours:It is a wonderful experience to watch and photograph the sun setting over Izmit Bay from the verandas of the mansions during sunset.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Fresh gulf fish, delicious hazelnut ice cream and famous Değirmendere hazelnuts should definitely be tasted on Değirmendere beach.