Texture of Historical Cities
Due to its geographical location, the province of Kuşadası hosted numerous civilizations, each of which left its own mark in the region. Here, you can observe first-hand the touches of time in the ancient cities and historical buildings.
Kadıkalesi Anaia
Kadıkalesi, known as Anaia in ancient times, is a historical treasure. A Byzantine Castle built to control maritime trade security on the mainland and the strait, Kadıkalesi is 8 kilometres south of Kuşadası and 10 kilometres from the Davutlar road. Pottery remains unearthed during the excavations of the Kadıkalesi Mound, indicate that the first settlements in the mound date from 4000-3000 BCE. Archaeological finds in the castle include Mycenaean ceramics, local pottery, and Roman-Islamic coins.
Pygale
It is believed that this archaeological settlement 3 km north of Kuşadası was founded by the Mycenaean King Agamemnon. It is among the centres where the famous Mycenaean pottery has been found.
Ancient City of Panionion
Panionion Ancient City (Panionion Antik Kenti) is a few hundred metres off the Davutlar Güzelçamlı road. During excavations in the region, a structure dating from 00 BCE was unearthed. This structure was a rock-carved 11-tiered theatre, used as a meeting place for the Ionian city delegates. Herodotus said of this region, “It is the most beautiful place where the sun and the sea, history and nature meet, above the earth and under the sky.”
Davutlar Kurşunlu Monastery
Davutlar Kurşunlu Monastery (Davutlar Kurşunlu Manastırı) is set in a forested area within the borders of Dilek Peninsula National Park at an altitude of 600 meters. It is approximately 12 km from the Kuşadası Davutlar neighbourhood. The monastery, featuring an 11th-century Byzantine-style structure, offers stunning views; its height and relatively secluded position indicate that its location was intended to be protective.
Underwater World and the World’s Largest Plane Wreck
Kuşadası is a preferred location for diving due to its abundant and diverse underwater flora and fauna. Kuşadası Bay has a number of interesting viewpoints, with underwater rock structures, deep wall crevices and caves – as well as an Airbus A300 passenger plane, sunk on a reef in 2016. The plane, called Neopolis A300, is currently the world’s largest known underwater plane wreck; it is 55-meters long and has a 45-meter wingspan. In addition to seeing different fish species during your dive, you may also enjoy an opportunity to swim with the Caretta Caretta sea turtles. Divers can join tours, organized by professional diving clubs and guides, that regularly depart from the Kuşadası Marina every day.
