A holiday in Turkey: Kusadasi and Pamukkale

Want to combine beach relaxation, tan and shining sun with cultural tourism and beautiful tropical scenery? The Turkish Riviera is the perfect place for you! Kusadasi is one of the most attractive summer destinations in our southeast neighboring country, where you will find your dream holiday - endless golden sands, deep blue waters and caressing Aegean sunshine! You'll also have the chance to enjoy exciting underwater experiences by discovering the secrets of diving or have fun with an unforgettable adventure in two of Turkey's largest aqua parks!

All this can be combined in an incredible way with a trip to the unique natural phenomenon Pamukkale, which has in fact given its name - "Cotton Castle". Near Kusadasi you will find one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World – the temple of Artemis in Ephesus, and near Pamukkale – the ancient city of Hierapolis. These two magical places offer a lot – so choose your early program from Tez Tour България and don’t miss to enjoy them!

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LOCATION

Kusadasi is one of the most visited destinations by tourists in the summer – both by foreigners and Turks. Recently it has become a favorite holiday spot for Bulgarians as well. It is located in western Anatolia, on the Aegean coast, in the Aydın Province. It stands 90 km south of the third largest city in Turkey – Izmir and about 200 km of Pamukkale. Although not very close, you should definitely not miss visiting Pamukkale. Nowhere else will you see such an unimaginable miracle of nature! And besides the towering hot basins and white terraces of the Cotton Castle, there you will find a little and not so famous town of the same name – Pamukkale (where you can also stay).

MORE ABOUT KUSADASI, THE CITY WITH LOTS OF NAMES

Like most of the places in today's Turkey, this region has been inhabited since ancient times. The place has been a center of art and culture for a long time. It was founded by the Leleges people in 3000 BC, and has since been colonized by many and diverse civilizations. Later settled the Aeolians in the 11^th century BC and Ionians in the 9^th, who built a coastal colony consisting of 12 settlements, including Kusadasi. From the 7^th century BC onwards the coast was ruled by Lydians, then from 546 BC by the Persians, and from 334 BC, along with all of Anatolia, the coast was conquered by Alexander the Great.

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In the 2^nd century The Roman Empire took possession of the coast and in the early years of Christianity made it their provincial capital. According to the Catholic tradition, Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist both came to live in the area, which in the that period became known as "Ania". During the Byzantine period, it was named Neapolis.

In the Middle Ages Kusadasi developed as a port used by pirates. Later, merchants from Venice and Genoa began controlling the coast by setting up a new port and giving it the name "Scala Nova," which means exactly that. The center gradually shifted from the hilly areas to the shore and the city thrived as a commercial center. This is the time when the Venetians built the Fortress of Kusadasi on the small island near the city, connected to it by a bridge.

After 1413 the city went under the control of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, the island's fortress grew into a palace that was rebuilt and expanded in 1843, becoming the center of the city. In fact, Kusadasi is named exactly after this little island. The name comes from the Turkish words kuş (bird) and ada (island) and literally means the Bird Island. This is because the already mentioned little island resembles a bird's head. Today the locals sometimes call the city just Adas.

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WHAT CAN WE SEE IN KUSADASI AND AROUND?

In Kusadasi and the surrounding area you will be truly fascinated by the colorful variety of cultural and natural sights. At every step you will be touched more and more by the history and the onetime grandeur of the ancient civilizations, while the beautiful nature and the magical beaches will not stop enchanting you. But do not worry! Here you have time for everything – Kusadasi is the perfect place for this combination.

Ephesus ancient city and Artemis temple:

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Along with Pamukkale, the excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus is among the most popular. Situated only 18 km from Kusadasi, it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and worthwhile places to visit! Here you will come across to incredible ruins of former glory, theaters, terraced houses and more. But you cannot miss starting your "cultural diving" with one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World – the great temple of Artemis at Ephesus! "The Temple of Artemis of Ephesus is an outstanding and unique earthly home of the gods. Whoever sees it once, will understand, that the earth and the sky have changed their places here, and that the world of the immortal gods has moved from heaven to earth." That is how Philon of Byzantium began describing the building that all the people of the Ancient worlds agreed was the most admirable on the Earth. Built around 800 BC, near the river in Ephesus, it was one of the largest and most complex temple of Antiquity.

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The entire building was marbled, and the roof was made of wood and tiles. Unfortunately, today of this immense majesty that has left the people of the past breathless, only ruins have remain. Yet, do not miss seeing them – stand in the place where the greatest ancient Greek temple had once been raising and feel its magic!

By comparing it with the other 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, that is how Philon continued his narration: "I have seen the walls and Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylon, the statue of Olympian Zeus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the mighty work of the high Pyramids and the tomb of Mausolus. But when I saw the temple at Ephesus rising to the clouds, all these other wonders faded away."

Among the most remarkable buildings in the ancient city was the Library of Celsus. It was built in the period 114-135. in honor of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus during the reign of Emperor Adrian. It was burned during the Gothic invasion, but its facade was partially preserved, and today its ruins are among the most impressive in the whole ancient city. Tourists do not miss to take pictures of them!

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While walking through the streets of Ephesus, more and more remnants of the past are revealed to us. Although most of it is still under the hills, we can see some monuments that still shine with splendor. One of them is the marvelous Big Theater, which seats 25 000 people! An enormous, spectacular, majestic facility that leaves every tourist breathless and speechless... The theatre has been used both for theatrical performances and gladiatorial battles, as well as for religious, political and philosophical discussions.

Among the ruins you can also see the small theater Odeon, the Arcadia Road, the public toilets and the so-called brothel. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable walk through Ephesus – it's worth it!

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VIRGIN MARY'S HOUSE:

Close to Ephesus, on the ridge of Mount Korresos, there is the house of Virgin Mary. It is believed that she spent the last days of her life right there. It is a small church building with a typical Roman architecture made entirely of stone.

It is extremely interesting that the House was discovered in the 19^th century by following the instructions in the reported visions of the Roman Catholic nun and visionary Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824). The Catholic Church neither denies nor recognizes the authenticity of the house, nevertheless a steady flow of pilgrimage is maintained since its discovery. Ann Catherine Emmerich was declared blessed by Pope John Paul II in 2004.

Today, the house is popular among both Christians and Muslims, but only the central part and the room to the right of the altar are open for visitors.

THE CITY OF KUSADASI:

There are many interesting places that we recommend you visit in the city itself. Stroll through the streets of Kusadasi and enjoy the authentic Oriental atmosphere.

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Here you can see the Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai – one of the most impressive caravanserais preserved since the Ottoman Empire. It was constructed by Öküz Mehmed Pasha, who served as Governor of Ottoman Egypt and Grand Vizier, between 1615 and 1618 to preserve the sailors' belongings and shelter passengers and commercial caravans. Today the building has turned into one of the most luxurious hotels in Kusadasi, which offers a fabulous program of oriental dances and music. You can also see the beautiful Roman baths and the Old Port of Neapolis. Do not miss to visit the Kusadasi Castle, which represents the medieval power of the city. It is located on the Bird Island, which you should also explore. As we have already mentioned, the city is named to this little island, which resembles a bird's head. The locals, however, call the island Güvergine, which literally translates as Island of pigeons.

PAMUKKALE:

Pamukkale is something that every man should see at least once in his life – a true miracle sculptured by the hands of the most talented architect, namely Mother Nature herself. It is about 200 km from Kusadasi, which is 2-3 hours away, but that should not stop you from visiting it. Skip a day at the beach and see one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world!

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Literally translated from Turkish, Pamukkale means "Cotton Castle". This can be explained with the fact that when being seen from distance the place resembles a huge cotton plantation or an infinitely beautiful frozen waterfall. The phenomenon is due to water jets rich in mineral salts that come from the ancient city of Hierapolis. They fall from high altitude and create the blinding white cascades that fill the imagination of every contemplator. All the magic comes when the water reaches the surface and the calcium carbonate is deposited from it as a soft gel which eventually crystallizes into travertine. The hot springs come from Cal Dai mountain and continue down over all the hundred terraces. The water has a temperature of 37 degrees.

The legend tells that even Cleopatra visited the place and often bathed there because she believed that Pamukkale's waters rejuvenated her and maintained her beauty. Today one of the pools is named after her.

It is no coincidence that this lovely place is part of UNESCO's world cultural and natural heritage. Some people even define it as the Eighth Miracle of the World.

HIERAPOLIS:

When you are here, you cannot miss the ancient city of Hierapolis as well, which is located on the mountain above Pamukkale and is also part of UNESCO's world cultural and natural heritage. It was founded in 190 BC by the Attalid dynasty – rulers of Pergamon. Its ruins are of immense importance because they represent different cultural layers and historical periods. It is believed that the city's name derives from the combination "holy city" literally translated, but it is also supposed to have been named after Hiera, the wife of Telephus, son of Heracles. Many remarkable material monuments are preserved from the ancient city’s rich history, including the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Baths, the Christian Basilica, the enormous Necropolis, the Roman Amphitheater, the Domitian Arch, and others. Outside the city there is also a cemetery with about 1200 lavishly decorated tombs. In addition, in here you will have the opportunity to see the Roman public toilets, which are hardly the most romantic place, but would certainly be very curious.

After exploring everything, do not miss the Archeological Museum, located in the Roman Baths building. Here are also exposed many of the troves found in Hierapolis.

MARVELOUS BEACHES, WATER SPORTS, AQUAPARKS

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Of course, if you do not fall for historic monuments or natural landmarks (which are really worth seeing), you can always just admire the wonderful beaches, relax on the sun lounger, have fun with some water sports or visit two of the largest aqua parks in Turkey.

Kusadasi is a home to a large number of beautiful beaches, each charming in their own way. Some of them with softer sand, others with pebbles, some more quiet and suitable for relaxation, others with plenty of water attractions, diving, music, entertainment and beach bars. One thing is certain – the beaches here offer something for everyone.

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The most popular among them are: City Beach, Long Beach, Beach of Love, Silver Beach, Golden Beach, Pigeon Island Beach, Paradise Beach, Ladies Beach ... The latter is called so because in the past it was allowed to be visited only by women. These days, of course, this is no longer the case.

It is no wonder that Kusadasi annually attracts so many tourists from all over the world, share with us from Tez Tour България. This exotic piece of the Paradise has everything you would need to feel good. Here you will find tranquility, entertainment, relaxation, ancient history, but also modern tourism ... Fly to the Bird Island and be touched by the magic of the Turkish Riviera. Kusadasi is the perfect destination for your summer vacation!