The city is located 42 km. south of Antalya. In the northern part of Kemer is Yoruk Park – a “living ethnographic exposition” dedicated to the history and life of the Turkish people. Not far from Kemer lie the ruins of the ancient port city of Phaselis (Tekirova), where the remains of the port walls, the amphitheater, the paved road leading to the arch of Hadrian, the acropolis, as well as the ruins of water pipes, market squares and baths, have been preserved. According to one of the legends, Alexander the Great was buried here. In the same region, at the foot of Mount Olympos (Tahtali, 2400 m.), there are the ruins of another ancient monument – the city of Olympos, founded in the 3rd century BC. e. The city was the center of worship for the god Hephaestus. Today it is one of the most famous resorts on the southern coast, forming together with Kemer and Tekirova one continuous resort area. The most modern tourist complexes have been built on the territory of the Olympos-Beydalary National Park.
Ruins of Ephesus, the date of foundation of which is lost in the darkness of centuries – already in the XVI-XI centuries. BC e. there was an Ionic colony on the site. In the 7th century the city and its main symbol – Artemisium (Temple of Artemis) were completely destroyed by the Cimmerian tribes. Restored by Croesus, king of Lydia, it was subjugated by the Persian king Cyrus in the middle of the 6th century. During the reign of the Augustan dynasty, Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia. From the once world-famous Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world, little has survived – built in the VI century. BC e. the temple fell victim to an arson attack by the infamous Herostratus in 356 BC. e. Alexander the Great in 334 BC e. laid the foundation for the restoration of the temple, which lasted 120 years, right on the platform of the building that died in the fire. During this period, a new Hellenic Artemisium arose around the construction site, which was again destroyed by the Goths 500 years later. But the Small Amphitheater (Odeon, 150 AD) for 1400 seats, which was used both for meetings of the Senate and for theatrical performances, survived, as well as the Large Amphitheater with a 30-meter stage and a portico to improve acoustics, designed for 24 thousand spectators, adorned with a double colonnade portico of the Agora; the exquisite Temple of Hadrian (AD 138); the temple of Hestia (in which the sacred fire constantly burned); gate of Hercules; an original ensemble of rich houses with mosaic floors and wall frescoes – the so-called “Houses on the Hillside”; Pritaney (clerical services building); whole streets; the library of Celsius (114-135 AD) and even the local brothel with a well-preserved road sign to it.
According to Cached Health, the city of Selcuk is located near Ephesus. The main attraction is the Basilica of St. John, completely lined with marble from the inside, built over the alleged tomb of the Apostle John. On the hill of Ayasoluk lie the ruins of a Byzantine fortress with a powerful gate built from the stone of the former Roman stadium. Below the fortress is the mosque of Isybey (1375), in the courtyard of which columns from ancient Ephesus are installed.
In Marmaris , built around the Ottoman fortress of the 2nd century, in addition to it, the Caravanserai has been preserved, where today there are many trading shops, and the ancient castle – the stronghold of the Knights Hospitaller (1522).
Kusadasi (“Bird Island”) is located in the center of the bay of the same name. The main attractions of Kusadasi – the ancient Genoese fortress of Kyucukada Kalesi on the island of Gyuverdzhin (“Pigeon Island”), surrounded by a powerful defensive rampart, and the Caravanserai.
