Sightseeing in Kusadasi - what to see. Complete travel guide

Kudasasi is a Turkish resort located on the shore of Aegean Sea around 90 kilometers south of Izmir. The town is surrounded by popular antique monuments. Among which are such famous ancient towns as Ephesus, Priene, Didim and Miletors. You can also reach Samos Island that belongs to Greece from Kudasasi.

The name of the resort can be translated as “Birds Island”. The town got this name because of the small island named “Pigeon Island”. The island is connected with the mainland by a small manmade road. For centuries the island has been a home for pigeons, herons and other birds.

The history of Kudasasi is mostly connected with life of the famous pirate Barbarossa. For many years he was terrorizing whole Mediterranean by its cruel attacks. The pirate was hiding in Kudasasi, in an ancient fortress built by the Venetians in the XVI century. The fortress is located on this Pigeon Island and is still in good condition. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Today Kudasasi is present in the list of best resorts of Turkey. Due to mild Mediterranean climate, golden sand beaches, warm azure sea and wonderful opportunities for active rest visitors come to Kudasasi 10 months a year!

Those people, who like active rest, get an opportunity to try water ski or play beach volleyball. If you enjoy peaceful rest, you will find numerous silent corners in Kudasasi.

There are many restaurants along beaches. Visit them as you will be able to taste delicious national dishes that usually include seafood.

Nearby the town are located thermal water springs, National park with Zeus cave on its territory, Kursunlu monastery and more. You can also visit Kaleici Mosque and Kale region famous for its narrow ancient streets.

In the territory of the resort and in its immediate vicinity, many interesting antique attractions were preserved. An excellent example is the Library of Celsus. This ancient Roman library was built in 136, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. At that time, there were about 12,000 scrolls in its walls. Even now, the preserved fragments of the building allow us to fully appreciate how large the library was. Researchers managed to restore part of its facade with columns. Initially, the height of the library was 16 meters.

History lovers will be interested in the archaeological area of ​​the Receptions. Once in this place there was a large ancient Greek city. Initially, this city was founded in the upper part of a spacious plain and with time, the soil sagged because of groundwater. This led to the destruction of many streets. Modern researchers managed to find fragments of only two streets. Now visitors of this area can see the foundation of ancient buildings and other antique buildings.

To diversify walks in historical places, a trip to the Dilek national park can be made. Its natural beauty will not leave anyone unsatisfied. This park completely occupies the territory of the peninsula of the same name. Here, among the surrounding natural splendor lives rare animals, birds and insects. It is worth mentioning that these places are also not devoid of historical sites. On the territory of the park, are the ruins of two ancient cities. Also here, is a functioning monastery, along which interesting excursions are conducted.

A very interesting and symbolic landmark of Kusadasi is the House of the Virgin Mary. If you believe the legends, then she spent the last years of her life in this house. Now next to the ancient building is a miniature church, whose age is also several hundred years. The so-called Wailing Wall, is also located here and many travelers are attracted to these places by a healing spring. If you believe the stories of locals, the water from this source can do real miracles.

The caravanserai which was preserved in the city was built in the beginning of the 17th century. It is a traditional inn, in which for many years the caravaners and merchants who were traveling to neighboring cities stopped. Currently in this historic building is a popular hotel, decorated in a unique medieval style, and a well-known restaurant.