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DIDYMA & THE TEMPLE OF APOLLO –
the ancient oracle shrine
Hidden among rolling hills, the ancient site of Didyma
is the stuff of legends. It was here, at a natural
spring, where the beautiful Leto is supposed to have
spent an hour of love with Zeus, later giving birth to
the twins, (didymoi in Greek), Artemis and Apollo. The
area was also the most important oracle site in Asia
Minor, and the oracles’ pronouncements to Croesus,
Alexander the Great and other famous kings have altered
the course of history.
The most dramatic feature of this ancient site is the
ruin of the Ionic Temple of Apollo, which remains
overwhelming even to this day in both its enormity and
its intricacy. Flawless carved marble and rich
decoration, particularly the Medusa relief, still draw
the eye. It was the third largest structure of the
Hellenistic world, and the architectural twin of the
Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. The temple was the largest and wealthiest
in Anatolia and was renowned for its holy relics, sacred
spring and laurel grove, as well as being famous as an
oracle site. It attracted pilgrims, lovers, merchants
and kings for centuries, all seeking advice from the
oracle of Apollo. |
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EPHESUS –
the ancient Metropolis devoted to
the goddess Artemis
“He who has laid eyes on it once will be convinced that
the world of the immortal gods has moved from heaven to
earth…”
So spoke the ancient architect and poet Philon when he
laid eyes on the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Being the
homeland of such masterpieces, artists and philosophers
throughout history, Ephesus nurtured a succession of
civilizations that shaped our world.
Spectacular attractions of this historical city are the
Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World, the 25,000 capacity amphitheatre, the
Celsus library, the Temple of Hadrian and Curettes
Street. Ephesus is also the religious centre of early
Christianity and included in the holy architecture here
is the basilica of St. John, who lived here and wrote
his gospel. |
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THE HOUSE OF
THE VIRGIN MARY
The Virgin Mary is said to have lived her final years in
a modest house ensconced in lush greenery on “Bülbül”
(nightingale) mountain, around 9km from Ephesus. Mary
may have come to the area with St. John, who spent
several years here to spread Christianity. In the 4th
century AD a church, combining her house and grave, was
built on this site. Today pilgrims come from all over
the world and the site has also had papal visits.
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MILETUS –
the cradle of philosophy
The ancient city of Miletus on the western coast of
Anatolia in ancient Caria, oldest and most powerful of
the 12 Ionian
cities of Asia Minor, was the cultural,
commercial and intellectual centre of Ionia. Western
philosophy originated here and it is the native city of
Thales, the pre-socratic philosopher.
The Miletus alphabet was accepted as the script used to
write ancient Greek. The word’s first coins were minted
in this city and exact weight measures were first
established here. Miletus is also renowned as the first
city to which the principles of modern town planning
were applied.
There are many well-preserved ruins to be seen at this
site, including a Delphinion temple, (a shrine to
Delphi, regarded to be the protector of ports and
ships), the amphitheatre, (originally built in the 4th
century BC and enlarged to a capacity of 15,000 during
Roman times), the baths of Faustina, the Roman stadium,
ancient harbours and the Byzantine church and castle. |
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PRIENE
Priene was a member of the Ionian League, whose 12
members also included Ephesus and Miletus. It was
formerly on the coast, built overlooking the ocean on
steep slopes and terraces extending from sea level to a
height of 380 metres (1,200 ft) above sea level at the
top of an escarpment. Today, after several centuries of
changes in the landscape, it is an inland site.
Priene was one of the first cities in the world to have
it’s street laid out at right angles. The Temple of
Athena is the main attraction here, constructed by the
Greek architect Pytheos who also built the Mausoleum at
Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World. Other major structures to see are the theatre,
buleuterion (senate house), and the Hellenistic
gymnasium. |
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BOAT TRIP ABOARD
A TRADITIONAL TURKISH “GULET”
Crystal clear bays surrounding Didim make it an idyllic
setting for a relaxing day out on a Turkish hand-crafted
wooden yacht, or “gulet”. Relax and let your crew pamper
you with delicious Turkish cuisine enjoyed al fresco on
the aft deck, swim ands snorkel in the turquoise waters
of the Aegean and discover the hidden history in the
secluded coves surrounding the main town.
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GREEK
ISLANDS
Regular fast catamaran ferries run in the summer from
Didim to the Greek islands of Kos, Patmos and Samos, all
of which are within 30 nautical miles and easily reached
in 60-90 minutes. |
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TURKISH
BATH
In days gone by all the towns and villages in Turkey had
a bathhouse where the local people gathered regularly to
relax and exchange gossip. The baths were segregated and
were open at a set time for men and women, nowadays
however most baths are mixed.
No visit to Turkey is complete without experiencing a
Turkish bath. Not only will you feel completely clean
and relaxed afterwards, but it is also an excellent way
of prolonging your tan.
On entering the baths you will be able to leave your
valuables and clothing in a locker. You will then be
given a “pesternal”, a thin wrap-around sarong, (which
can be worn over your swimwear if you wish), as well as
a pair of plastic slippers or wooden clogs to wear on
your feet and later a towel for drying off. You can then
go through into the main marble-lined bath chamber to
relax in the steamy atmosphere. Around the chamber you
will find marble wash basins with hot and cold running
water to mix and dowse yourself with using the
traditional metal dish provided.
At the heart of the ''hamam'', (Turkish bath), is the
''göbek taşı'', (navel stone), a raised marble platform
positioned directly over the wood furnaces that heat the
premises. Here you will receive your first massage; a
brisk rub-down with a loofah mitt to exfoliate dead
skin. The second masseur will then cover you from head
to toe with rich soap bubbles and massage each part of
your body, untying all those knots…an experience not to
be missed!
Finally take a shower and enrobe yourself in thick
towels ready for a drink perhaps and some more
relaxation time. |
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WATERPARK
Didim Aquapark is just 10 minutes away and offers a day
out of splashing fun for all ages with its feature
slides, trampolines and foam machines.
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DIDYMA & THE TEMPLE OF APOLLO |
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EPHESUS |
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THE HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY |
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MILETUS |
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PRIENE |
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BOAT TRIP |
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GREEK ISLANDS |
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TURKISH BATH |
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WATERPARK |
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