Kırkkaşık Bedesteni
Near the Great Mosque stands a covered bazaar dubbed Kırkkaşık, or "40 Spoons," which dates from the 16th century. Small shops inside sell local souvenirs at reasonable prices.
3 Best Sights in Tarsus, The Turquoise Coast
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Near the center of town, beside the tourist office, is an excavated section of Roman Road. North of here is a well in a small garden; it’s traditionally identified as connected to the house of St. Paul, though the less pious may doubt it is worth the 4 TL entry fee. South of the well are some of Tarsus’s best-preserved old houses, many of which are being restored.
Kleopatra Kapisi
Near the main street is the monumental stone Gate of Cleopatra, which—despite the name—was likely built in the Byzantine period. It has made an impression on many visitors to the city, including the famous Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi.
Tarsus Müzesi
Opened at the end of 2020, Tarsus’s impressive archaeological museum makes a fine first stop for understanding the history of the city, which has been settled for 9,000 years, and putting together the jigsaw puzzle of relics scattered around town. A video reconstruction shows what the stone platform that remains of the Donuktaş Temple might have looked like with the temple building on top. Other videos tell the stories of figures both historical and mythological that are important to the region. The artifacts on display range from prehistoric pottery and tools from Gözlükule Höyüğü (Mound) to the 1st-century AD Roman mosaic in the entry atrium depicting a banquet scene and from small but well-preserved Hellenistic terracotta figures to traditional Yörük (nomad) textiles.
