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In and around Bodrum,
you can visit some of Turkey's most spectacular scenic and
historical sites:
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The Mausoleum
During the 4th century BC, Bodrum was ruled by King Mausolus. Some
say he built this magnificent tomb for himself, others say it was
built by his wife and sister Artemisia. Regardless, it was so
magnificent that it became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World.
Unfortunately not much remains of the Mausoleum apart from the
foundation as most of it sits in the British Museum, although a
petition to return it to its rightful home has been ongoing (www.turkishdailynews.com.tr).
It is still worth a visit for the small exhibition and models of
original treasures.
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Castle of St. Peter
Bodrum's most famous landmark, construction of St. Peter's castle began in
the early 15th Century and was completed in 1522. The castle is
largely intact and houses some interesting exhibits along with the
Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Worth a visit if only to cool off and admire the pretty views of
Bodrum, or step back in time and enjoy a glass of wine in the
English tower.
Open Tuesdays-Sundays
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Bodrum Castle
View
from the tower |
Ephesus (Efes)
It is the view of many experts that this site is the best preserved
of all the ancient classical cities. Around the end of the 1st
century BC, Ephesus had a population exceeding 250,000 and was once
home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient
World. |
The Library of Celsus |
So enjoy a trip back in
time as you walk along the marble streets and visit the baths,
public toilets, 25,000 seat amphitheatre and the most impressive of
all, the Library of Celsus.
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Virgin Mary's House
(Meryemana)
The legend has it that St John brought the ageing Virgin Mary to
Ephesus and 5km east of the ancient city lies the Meryemana, the
house where Mary is said to have spent her last years. |
Meryemana |
In 1967, Pope Paul VI
visited the site and declared it authentic with the official
approval of the Catholic Church.
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Pamukkale
This unique and
natural phenomenon receives its water from the warm springs nearby,
whose minerals have gradually encrusted the limestone slopes forming
the spectacular terraced pools.
You can also swim among the ruins in the Cleopatra's Thermal Bath
and visit the nearby ancient ruins of Hierapolis, the spa
that was built for those who traveled here to reap the benefits of
the healing pools. On the drive into Pamukkale you can witness
the Necropolis and it's multitude of strewn 2000 year old
tombs.
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Thermal Pools |
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Cleopatra's Pool |
Didyma (Didim)
A cult center for the city of Miletus, in ancient times was
connected to its mother city by a sacred road that had statues
located on either side of it. Didyma, meaning 'twins' referred to
Apollo and Artemis, the Greek god and goddess who were twins.
Artemis’ temple was in Miletus, while Apollo’s was here.
Miletos
The birthplace of the first Ancient Greek philosopher Thales, this
was once one of the greatest trading centres on the Mediterranean
and houses an impressive 24,000 capacity theatre.
Priene
Standing on wooded hils above the sweeping valley of the Menderes
River, Prient is the most picturesque historic site in the region.
The stunning panoramic views and peaceful surroundings make Priene a
wortwhile visit alone.
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Didyma
Priene |
Dalyan
View the
splendor of the 1500 year old Lycian rock tombs whilst onboard a
river boat journey through shallow reedy waterways. The end of
your boat journey finds you at Turtle Beach and its 4 miles of fine
sand where the loggerhead sea turtles swim to shore to lay their
eggs at night. |
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