Turkey is one of the most fascinating places in the world. Turkey’s location as a connection point between Europe and Asia and the influences of the various empires throughout history that have thrived and expired within the borders of the country have given Turkey a culture all its own. Within the borders of Turkey, there is a wide range of climatic diversity within its seven geographical regions, comprising mountains, plains, caves, seas and many other natural formations. There are many interesting destinations in Turkey to explore. Here are five of the best.
Cappadocia
This unique city is comprised of underground cities, cave churches and hotels, and houses carved out of stone. Some of the underground cities were used by early Christians as hideouts from oppressive forces. The unusual rock formations of the area were created as a result of eroding rains and winds sweeping over the lava covered plain over thousands of years. Cappadocia is also the home of the Turasan Wine Factory, creators of the world famous Cappadocia wines.
Ephesus
Ephesus contains the ruins of the second largest city of the Roman Empire. One of the most well-known landmarks of the city is the Celsius library, which was built in 123 AD and was third largest library in the ancient world, after Alexandria and Pergamon. Ephesus also houses the Fountains of Trojan, The Temples of Hadrian and Domition, and the Great Theatre, which had a capacity of 24,000 spectators. Christian and catholic visitors to Ephesus may be interested in seeing the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent last days of her life.
Istanbul
If you love the fast-paced life of a large and busy city, then Istanbul is the destination for you. The cultural and financial hub of Turkey, Istanbul also offers a wealth of historic and religious places to see, with many of these ancient monuments dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Istanbul is the home of the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the ancient Topkapi Palace. Spotblue.com has many properties available in this location for investment, holiday use, retirement or permanent living.
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is the home of royal tombs of the Komogene Kingdom. While the tombs themselves cannot be explored, it is possible to see the famous eight-meter statue heads that are some of the most famous landmarks of Turkey. The western terrace of the monument contains a large relief of a lion and shows the arrangement of stars and the planets Jupiter, Mercury and Mars as they would have been seen on 7 July 62 BC, which some believe to be an indication of when this monument was created.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale (translation: Cotton Castle) is destination unlike any other in the world. The area is dotted with solidified pools of calcium water that resemble clouds and have hot springs rising from them. Visitors and residents frequently come to these hot springs because of their very high mineral content and their lovely appearance. The area has been used as a spa since the second century BC. Everything in the area, from the village center to the travertine pools, can be easily reached on foot in ten to fifteen minutes.
No Comments yet!