Didyma, Didim
Facts and practical information
Steeped in antiquity, Didyma is a historical gem nestled in the city of Didim, Turkey. This ancient sanctuary is renowned for the Temple of Apollo, one of the most significant oracles of the Hellenic world, comparable to Delphi and Dodona in prestige. The site offers a window into the grandeur of the past, with its impressive ruins that whisper tales of prophecy, ritual, and the opulence of classical architecture.
The Temple of Apollo, Didyma's centerpiece, was an architectural marvel of the Ionian order, once boasting 122 colossal columns, of which several still stand today, reaching skyward in a testament to its former glory. The site is characterized by the vast and well-preserved remains of the sacred road, the columned courtyard, and the adyton – the inner sanctum where the oracle was believed to communicate with the deity.
Visitors to Didyma can explore the striking remains of the temple, including the intricate details of the column bases and the grandeur of the medusa head sculptures, which have stood the test of time. The sanctuary also offers insight into the religious practices of ancient times, as the place where pilgrims would come to seek wisdom from the oracle.
Aydin