3 Best Sights in The Sea of Marmara and the North Aegean, Turkey

The primitive mosaic floor is believed to date from the church's construction in the 6th century, during the reign of Justinian. The church was later reconstructed in the 11th century, after an earthquake toppled the original edifice. A faded fresco of Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist at ground level on the north wall and some rather poorly preserved frescoes in the domes on either side of the apse date from the Byzantine era. In a controversial move, authorities converted this former museum into a mosque in 2011. Try to arrange your visit outside of prayer times, when you can explore the site freely and take photographs.

The complex around the Sultan Murat II Camii (built 1425–26) is probably the city's most serene resting place, with 12 tombs tucked amid a leafy park. Among those buried here are Murat (1404–51), the father of Mehmet the Conqueror, and Mustafa (1515–53), the eldest son of Süleyman the Magnificent, who was strangled in his father's tent. Murat's plain tomb was built in accordance with his will, with an open hole in the roof right above the tomb to let the rain in. The most decorated tombs are those of two grandsons of Murat, Çelebi Mehmet and Cem Sultan, which are kept locked most of the time—ask the caretaker to open them for you. The historical complex also included a nearby hammam, medrese (now the Uluumay Museum), and a soup kitchen for the poor (now Darüzziyafe restaurant).

If you're looking for a good spot to watch the sun set over İznik Lake, the tomb of Abdülvahap Sultan Sancaktarı, a hero of the battle in which the Ottomans captured the city in 1331, is well worth the trip for its sweeping view. On a clear evening the orange glow of sunset makes the surrounding mountains look like the backs of gigantic serpents sleeping in the lake. The monument—a short drive or a 30-minute walk (some of it uphill) from the city center—attracts couples young and old as well as extended families, many of whom bring dinner along to accentuate the experience. Take Kılıçaslan Caddesi east through Lefke Gate and then follow the ruins of the Roman aqueduct along the road on your right until you can see the large Turkish flag on the hilltop near the tomb.