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Sightseeing
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Ephesus
Ephesus ancient Greek city of Asia Minor, near the mouth of the what is today W Turkey, S of Smyrna (now Izmir). One of the greatest of the Ionian cities, it became the leading seaport of the region.
The great temple of Artemis, or Artemision, called by the Romans the temple of Diana, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From c.100 to c. 100 Ephesus was the world capital of the slave trade. The city was sacked by the Goths in 262, and the temple was destroyed. Ephesus was abandoned after the harbor silted up. Excavations (1869—74) of the ruins of the temple brought to light many artifacts. Later excavations uncovered important Roman and Byzantine remains.
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Virgin Mary's House
Pope Benedict XVI. 16. Visits Virgin Mary House. The Virgin Mary House is close to Kusadasi and easily accessible by dolmus from Kusadasi town centre The belief that the Virgin Mary had spent her last days in the vicinity of Ephesus and that she had died there, focused attention on a nun named Anna Katherina Emmerich who had lived in the late 18th century (1774-1820). The efforts to find the house were greatly influenced by her detailed description of the Virgin Mary's coming to Ephesus, her life and her last home there and the characteristics of the city although she had never been to Ephesus. |
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Srince Wine Village
Sirince is an old village of Selcuk, which is a district centre of Izmir. It is famous with its old Greek architecture and local wine. The cobbled narrow streets of the village will somehow lead you to the main street of the village. As you walk up the hill you will be amazed by the view. A perfect rural landscape that the urban life has not even come close will be a great treat for your eyes. The two-storey whitewashed houses with a unique local character will give you an impression that you are walking in a postcard. This small village surrounded with olive trees, grape vines and peach gardens. |
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Pamukkale
A magical and extraordinary natural wonder of Turkey . Pamukkale is a vast white cliff side with scallop shaped basins of frozen waterfalls. It has been formed from hot thermal springs that have poured down the hillside depositing calcium carbonate which solidifies as travertine. You are able to paddle in the pools whilst you are dazzled by the radiace of the cascades which change colour depending on how the sunlight strikes them. There are daily excursions from Kusadasi to Pamukkale which is a 3 hour drive. You may wish to stay overnight and enjoy the tranquility before the tourists arrive.
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Ferry To Samos
Initially joined to the Asia Minor Coast, Samos became separated from the mainland following enormous geological upheavals. According to the myth it was the birth place of goddess Hera. By being colonized by the Ionians around the first millennium BC, it was inhabited by Carians and Pelasgians. Samos knew its greatest glory in the 6th century BC. Subsequently it was dominated by the Persians during the Persian Wars, later becoming a member of the Athenian Confederacy. When Samos revolted against the alliance, the Athenians laid waste the island in revenge. It was later conquered by Macedonians, Ptolemies and Romans. |
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