Aphrodisias

Further afield and well worth a visit is Aphrodisias. Aprox 6 hours away from Fethiye so a car is required.

Situated on a high plateau over 600 metres above sea level, ringed by mountains and watered by the Buyuk Menderes river aphrodisias is one of the more isolated and beautifully set of Turkeys archaeological sites.

In 1959 professor Kenan Erim of New York university visited the site and noticed chunks of marble all around him. Since then excavations and restoration of the site have been carried out.

Spectacular discoveries have been brought to life such as a very well perserved theatre, a delightful little odeon, a temple of Aphrodite, a remarkably intact stadium (the only one in the world !!) with a seating capacity of 30,000 and a fine bath complex along with a bishops palace. ALL OF THIS PRIOR TO 1959 was covered !!!!!!!!!!!

Named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love, Aphrodisias was for centuries no more than a shrine, all be it an important one. It was under Roman rule that the city became very rich and prosperous and was heavily patronised by various emperors. The city was close to a quarry which produced fine pale white marble and a school of sculpture, which aquired wide spread fame, developed here. The city was also an intellectural and cultural centre and was famous as a seat of medicine and philosophy. Apart from the extensive archaeological site, there is an interesting museum housing beautiful marble sculptures retrieved from the city.

Most people forget Aphrodisias when they visit Ephesus JUST MAKE SURE YOU DONT - WE promise the journey will be worth it. .

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