Wish You Were Here In Kusadasi

OVERVIEW

Wish you were here when Kusadasi was a fortified harbor watching for pirates, caravans were crossing Anatolia and pilgrims came to pay tribute at the Temple of Artemis. As you move through today’s city and its surroundings, each stop reveals part of that story. A look at the 14th-century Kusadasi Castle will reveal how the city protected itself against invading pirates while the 17th-century high-walled caravanserai only looks like a fortification, yet it was built as a roadside inn that welcomed travelers and traders on the Silk Road. Statesman and military leader Öküz Mehmed Pasha initiated the caravanserai building project as well as the grand Kaleici Camii mosque, whose presence still anchors the historic quarter. The nearby village of Sirince will offer a more traditional perspective as its residences are uniformly white with red-tiled roofs. Although only one column of the Temple of Artemis remains, this Wonder of the Ancient World will present a window into the past. Free time in Old Town rounds out the experience, inviting you to keep exploring streets, courtyards and viewpoints that make Kusadasi feel like time travel for the soul.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step into the Kusadasi you wish you could have seen, from pirate-watch ramparts and caravanserai courtyards to the remains of an ancient wonder.
• Discover how the urban landscape in and around Kusadasi has evolved over the centuries through castles, mosques and market streets.
• Learn about past pirate invasions while exploring around Kusadasi Castle.
•See the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Visit the hilltop village of Sirince, where traditional white houses and red roofs offer a glimpse into rural life outside the city.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.