Culture of Kusadasi. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Kusadasi is a picturesque town with a rich history, where many interesting excursions and entertainment programs are waiting for its guests. The most striking historical monument of the town is the Kaleici Camii or Fortress Mosque, built in 1618 by order of Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha. The total area is about 1800 square meters, more than 500 people can accommodate in its hall. The main decoration of the complex is the large dome of lead, which is supported by 12 columns. The mosque resembles a luxurious palace, its massive front door is made of wood and inlaid with mother of pearl, and the interior is decorated with artful painting.

The castle on Guvercin Island is a striking monument of the Byzantine era, sometimes it is referred to as ‘pirates’ fortress.’ It owes its name to the legend telling that the fortress served as a refuge for Khair ad-Din pirate, who is better known as Barbarossa. Recently, a powerful fortification was completely renovated; some of its rooms host a historic museum.

Kale is considered the most interesting area for excursions. A walk there would become a real journey into the past. You would see beautiful houses, mosques and colorful bazaars there. It seems that life in these areas hasn’t changed within century; the district looks exactly the same as a few hundred years ago. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most famous natural landmark is located on the Dilek Peninsula - we are talking about the National Park. There are hundreds of tour itineraries on its territory; there is also the famous cave of Zeus there. The path to it goes through beautiful olive groves. Inside the cave tourists will be able to see the beautiful lake. The water that fills the lake has a sky-blue color; the depth of the lake is more than 10 meters. Many interesting legends are associated with these picturesque places.

Famous thermal baths - Balçıova springs – are certainly worth visiting. According to historical data, the discovery of mineral springs was held back in the prehistoric era. For a long time they have being in disrepair, and have began to be used only in the second half of the 18th century. Today, a first-class fitness center is built near the springs. The healing properties of the hot springs made these places famous throughout the world.

The best way to get to know the local culture and admire its flavor is to visit Kusadasi Bazaar. Beautiful products made by local craftsmen, the general atmosphere - all this attracts hundreds of tourists immediately. And, of course, it's definitely worth bargaining with locals - no deal goes well without it. Of interest is another place ideal for exploring the local culture - namely, Çetin Maket Köy. Here you can discover an authentic village with a recreated household of local people's ancestors and imagine how their life could flow several centuries ago.

Among other museums in Kusadasi, Çamlık Buharlı Lokomotif Müzesi deserves special attention. A collection of thirty trains that once traveled on Turkish railways is displayed here. Here you can see the evolution of technology, take the opportunity to get inside and see how things work there. Ideally suited for walking on foot is Setur Kusadasi Marina Park where it seems one can walk for ages watching the arriving and departing vessels. No less memorable would be a walk through the cemetery Adalızade Mezarlığı. The reason is beautiful tombstones and an atmosphere of peace and tranquility reigning here.

In the vicinity of the city, you can find many ruins inherited from the ancient era. In particular, the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus built by the Greeks in the 10th century BC are located not far from Kusadasi. Once it was a large port city, which was ruled by different peoples - Macedonians, Persians, Byzantines - for ten centuries. The city became completely abandoned by the 15th century, having lost its value in the 7th century. Be sure to explore Temple of Artemis (Artemis Tapınağı), once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Here you can find thermae, a gymnasium, the ruins of houses, fountains. Of equally great interest is the majestic Celsus Kütüphanesi where gladiator games were once held. Many come to the ancient city of Ephesus for the sake of this building.

Nearby is the shrine of Meryemana, which is still a "place of power" for many people. The story goes that the Catholic nun Anne Catherine Emmerich had a vision that in this area one can find a house in which the Virgin Mary once lived until the end of her life. True or not, hundreds of pilgrims, just like locals, believe in it wholeheartedly. The shrine is a significant religious landmark for both Christians and Muslims - that's what makes it so interesting. Also, here you can find a souvenir shop selling memorable stuff, which can become tangible evidence of a great time spent in Kusadasi.