Perge, Aspendos and Kursunlu: Turkey
In the wake of the recent attacks in Istanbul, (I originally wrote this is July 2016) I can’t help but reminisce on the time I spent in Turkey 10 years ago; in particular: a fantastically cultural day out near Antalya to Perge, Aspendos and Kursunlu.
Now this was before ownership of a digital camera, so I had to hunt out and scan these piccies and the quality isn’t the best, but hopefully they’ll show you the beauty of a country now hitting the media for all the wrong reasons.
The Mediterranean city of Antalya and the neighbouring resorts along the coast are a haven for sun-seekers and many never venture away from their resorts. Indeed the girls I was on holiday with in Turkey were happy with exactly that, wanting only to chill out on sun-loungers by the pool, sunbathing, eating, drinking, reading and sleeping.
Me though – I get rather bored only doing this; so with a completely different culture at my fingertips, I wanted to experience what Turkey had to offer. I decided to join a coach tour run by the travel company we were on holiday with. And they sure delivered with their Perge, Aspendos and Kursunlu tour…
On the drive towards Antalya from our resort we passed this beautiful mosque, the first traditional mosque I’d ever seen with 4 minarets.
Perge
Our first stop was the ancient Anatolian city of Perge, the chief city of the ancient Pamphylia region situated between the two rivers Catarrhactes and Cestrus. It is situated approximately 15km east of Antalya.
Now an archaeological site with fabulous and extensive ruins, Perge features a Roman theatre, a Palaestra, (an ancient Greek wrestling school akin to our public gyms today) two churches and a temple dedicated to Artemis which is located just outside the old town.
One of the best preserved sections amongst the ruins is the nymphaeum. These are monuments or grottos built to house local nymphs, often featuring water features like fountains.
The view looking back down the length of the site through the window space is fantastic.
I remember wishing I had longer to take everything in as the site really is big. There is also an amphitheatre at Perge located south west of the site, but we did not get chance to visit this area unfortunately. We did move on to a rather impressive Roman theatre next however…
Aspendos
The second stop of the day was to see the massive amphitheatre at Aspendos. The exterior did not prepare you for the site that met your eyes on entering…
The Aspendos theatre is huge with a diameter of nearly 100m. It has the ability to hold up to 7,500 people and is known for being the best preserved amphitheatre of its time. It is one of the most intact in the world and along with the aqueduct system at Aspendos, became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
Aspendos was built in the year 155 and in keeping with Hellenistic traditions, the raked theatre seating (known as the cavea) was built so it leaned against the hill where it sits.
Around the perimeter of the cavea, there is a covered gallery which UNESCO suggests is unique to Aspendos. This would have provided shelter from the elements and is in such amazing condition.
Unfortunately my limited camera capabilities at the time did not show this place off to its best, but it really was a sight to see. If only I could see it again with my DSLR camera to hand. Boy, would I have fun!
Aspendos amphitheatre is still used today for the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. An annual program of productions running through the spring and summer season is organised by the Turkish State Opera and Ballet. The festival has been running since 1994, attracting opera and ballet companies from around the world.
Kursunlu
After a fabulous traditional Turkish lunch laid on for us at a restaurant nearby, our final stop of the day was to the famous waterfalls of Kursunlu.
These waterfalls are infamous for their appearance in a certain 80’s TV commercial for…..yes you guessed it – Timotei! Unfortunately they don’t allow you to take a dip, let alone fling your hair back with reckless abandon, spraying everything nearby!
Kursunlu waterfalls are situated approximately 9 miles east of Antalya on one of the tributaries of the Aksu river. They sit in the middle of a gorgeous green and lush pine forest. At nearly 1500 acres in size, is a lovely beauty spot to explore beyond just the waterfalls; so much so, it was declared a nature reserve in 1991.
The combination of these attractions certainly made for a fabulous day out. Why not check out this similar tour to Perge, Aspendos and Kursunlu, detailed on Trip Advisor.
Get in Touch!
Have you visited any of these places? What did you think to these ancient sites? Drop me a line in the comments below and let me know, I’d love to hear from you.
For those of you heading to the Turkish Med – I recommend you venture out beyond the environs of your resort. Check out what tours your travel company provides and book onto one. It’s well worth it!
Further Reading: European Cultural Travel
Discover Penshaw Monument – the Greek Temple of North East England
Learn about the U.K. Knife Angel – a contemporary sculpture and monumental memorial
My impressions of the Maltese culture in Valletta and Mdina, Malta
How to spend 24 hours in the Belgian capital of Brussels
Go underground in a Welsh Gold mine: Dolaucothi Gold Mine
Discover the monumental Dream sculpture at Sutton Manor Woodlands in Merseyside, England
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