DIDYMA - DIDIM INFO MAP

DIDYMA - DIDIM INFO MAP
DIDYMA -Didim was a sacred place starting from the 8th century B.C as it was a cult center for the city of Miletos with a spring and sacred grove. The word Didyma meant 'twins' and was associated by some as being the meeting place of Zeus and Leto to have their twins Apollo and Artemis.

Today it is surrounded by a Turkish village call DIDIM. It is in Söke district of the province of AYDIN and distanced about 9 mi.[15 km.] to Miletos , 33 mi.[53 km.] to Söke, 39 mi. [62 km.] Ephesus and 69 mi.[110 km.] to Bodrum. As you can notice, these ancient places are pretty close each other, so as a tourists you can visit all this sacred places of ancient Anatolia by a day trip journey.

There are two important temples in Didyma; Apollon and Artemis temples. The TEMPLE OF APOLLON which was one of the largest masterpieces of Hellenistic architecture.

The Hellenistic ARTEMIS TEMPLE measured by 33(~109 mt) by 15(~51 mt) feets and had a total of 124 columns. Columns are still standing. In the temple grounds are fragments of its rich decoration including a striking head of Medusa (she of the hair of snakes).

In ancient time Didyma was on the sea side and following the shore a road ('Sacret road') from Miletos was connected to the harbor of Didyma, called Panormos. Road continues to the south again and on either side of the road there were statues of recumbent lions, statues of the priests of the Temple of Apollo. Entire 'Sacret Road' is stone paved.

The Temple of Apollo was a major monument is it's day, however now not much of it's sanctuary can be seen. What can be seen is a collasal, unfinished Ionic temple.

If are you are visiting the Ephesus/Kusadasi area and also want visit to Didyma(Didim), transportation is available with 'dolmus'(collective transport which is in most cases it is a mini-van). They regularly run to Kusadasi and Bodrum. You can also arrange your journey with local travel/tour agencies. They offer tours to both places.

There is also a daily ferry service from Bodrum where you can catch a boat to the Greek island of Kos. ( More information )

A few minutes away from DIDIM comes Turkey's one of the best natural beach ALTINKUM (The golden sand). Whole ALTINKUM shore embraces thousands of islands of which some are not even shown on the maps and with its curved shores, this shore can not be described easily because it is absolutely beautiful! The whole area offers beautiful beaches(3), water sports, good hotels and resorts, restaurants bar, discotecs and a good value holiday for everone!