Vize

Vize is a historic district town in eastern Kırklareli Province, on the site of a Roman-era settlement that became a bishopric under Rome and Byzantium. Its Byzantine hilltop castle dates to the 1st century, and its best-known landmark, the "Küçük Ayasofya" (Little Hagia Sophia) — a domed basilica church built under Justinian in the 6th century — was converted into the Gazi Süleyman Pasha mosque in the 15th century and remains an active mosque today after a 2007 restoration.

By Car / Road

On the D020, 40 km east of Kirklareli.

Walkable.

• Gazi Süleyman Pasha Mosque (Küçük Ayasofya) — 6th-century Justinian-era church converted to a mosque in the 15th century; still in active use after a 2007 restoration.

• Vize Castle — Roman/Byzantine hilltop fortress.

• Vize old town — Traditional Thracian wooden houses.

• Walk the old town, castle, and mosque-church.

Tea houses are the standard local gathering spot.

Local produce.

• Kırklareli — 40 km west.
• İstanbul — 160 km southeast.