With such a wealth of history and historical remains, Yalvac naturally has a fine museum in which finds from excavations and other sources are on display. At the entrance to the museum you are greeted by examples of some of the fine reliefs that once graced Antiocheia’s monuments. Entering the museum, we are immediately enthralled by an unbroken sequence of works that begins from Prehistoric times.
The aesthetic satisfaction that comes of viewing works in terracotta changes to the pleasurable experience of examining Roman sarcophagi. The deep gaze in the eyes of a statue of Aphrodite is reflected in the statues of Pan and Men. That golden chalice over there must surely have been a witness to the excitement of countless victory celebrations. Works of mother-of-pearl depicting Mary, Jesus, and angels are just a few of the rare and exquisite works on display at the Yalvac Museum, which also contains a section for ethnographic material as well.
Camping and picnic grounds
There are numerous excursion spots in and around Yalva^; where you will find incomparably wonderful opportunities to relax and enjoy nature. The Monumental Plane Tree (Platanus orientalis), is an ancient guardian of the area and has been a witness to who knows how many events. Seat yourself beneath its emerald-green leafy boughs and sip tea as you let the day’s tiredness melt away.
The local inhabitants of all ages frequently come here to sit, enjoy themselves, and chat with one another. Over the centuries, this tree has been where many important decisions affecting the future of the town and its people were made; and from time to time it almost seems to shake its branches as if to signal its support. The people of Yalvac regard this tree as a sort of good-luck charm for the whole county.
Hidirlik Tepesi is a hill where the finest hues of the color green are proudly displayed by the pine trees and where the local people traditionally hold their festivals. In places such as Hisarardi, Su Qktigi, Diizkir Orman Alam, Gemen Korusu and Gaziri Mevki history and nature embrace one another while the delicious and savory smell of fresh fish and meat being cooked wafts its way to you from tiny, charming restaurants. The spring water is pure and icy- cold and its flavor seems to be mingled with the scent of pine. The thanks we feel for Mother Nature fall unbidden from our lips.
