Explore İstanbul: Polonezköy!

İstanbul is one of the most gorgeous and biggest cities in the whole world. When it comes to history, culture, and nature, this amazing city has full of beautiful places to visit but also has lots of hidden gems. Polonezköy is definitely one of them. As the locals call Adampol, Polonezköy is a village in the Asian side of İstanbul, Turkey. The name of this gorgeous village means "Polish village" since the village was founded in 1846 by Polish settlers who sought refuge in Turkey after the invasion of Poland. The majority of the population who live in Polonezköy are Polish people. What makes so special here is the nature because this village is located in a forest and declared a natural park in 1996! People who live in İstanbul often come here to have a picnic or enjoy the polish cuisine in many restaurants. I have to warn you though if you are planning to eat in a restaurant, it is quite expensive but the meals worth every penny. That's why the locals often have a picnic in the park, which is surrounded by beautiful wooden sculptures! So, if you want to visit Polonezköy, here is your guide!

For the cultural trip, your first stop should be Our Lady of Częstochowa Church. It is also known as "The Black Madonna of Częstochowa" and it is an icon of Virgin Mary. In this simple but cute church is a place of worship for the Polish residents. The original church was built in 1894 but sadly perished in a fire. The church that stands today was built in 1914. It has an amazing garden!

Our Lady of Częstochowa Church

Polonez, Polonez Mahallesi, 34829 Beykoz/İstanbul, Türkiye

If you want to get souvenirs, see the architecture of a typical Polish village house and check out the historical documentaries, you have to visit the Memorial House of Zofia Ryzy. This museum belongs to the Ryzy family and it is right opposite to the church. It is only open on Sundays. If you want to enter the museum, just knock on the door and Leslaf Ryzy will open the door for you and show you around!

The Memorial House of Zofia Ryzy

Polonez, Polonez Mahallesi, 34829 Beykoz/İstanbul, Türkiye

If you want to taste the Turkish, Polish or French cuisine, you have to go to Leonardo's restaurant. Inside the restaurant is decorated like a museum! You can see lots of historical photos from Polonezköy's history. Outside of the restaurant, you will see a huge garden where you can enjoy your meals or admire the nature. You can also stay here overnight in many rooms of the restaurant and in summer, you can enjoy the swimming pool.

Leonardo's Restaurant

Polonez Mahallesi, Cumhuriyet Cd., 34829 Beykoz/İstanbul, Türkiye

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