Didyma Historic Site of Turkey

The Temple of Apollo in Didyma, Turkey could be a major landmark for the encompassing touristic resorts of Altinkum and Didim. It's on the Aegean coast and receives thousands of travelers and tourists each year. 

In historic times, the realm was said to be Didyma and even today signs of Greek history are everywhere. This is not the sole Temple of Apollo. There are four temples dedicated to Apollo in Greece, three in Italy, and five in Turkey. By adding this to your tour to Turkey, you will be able to uncover the history of this cultural site and gain a deeper appreciation for its historical significance.

Things to do in Didim – Undiscovered Area of Turkey

A small, popular seaside resort town located in the western part of Turkey. To be precise, Didim is located 99 km from the capital city of Aydın. This town is where you'll trace back the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and therefore the ancient cities. With an honest mixture of history on one side and beachy bays with crystal clear waters on the opposite side, Didim includes a lot of interesting things to try and do. Keep reading to seek out the way to spend some time in this ancient beach town of Turkey with this list of things to do in Didim.

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Didyma

With its rich history, Didyma is one of the most significant places to witness ruins and take a visit down memory lane. This place was once a Hellenic sanctuary located on the northwest side. It had been originally declared a sanctuary because of the temple and, therefore, the oracle of Apollo.

This place is home to ruins from the 8th and 7th centuries BC. In fact, the Temple of Apollo is the most important site to go to here, but the Temple of Artemis and the Roman theatre are other places you'll be able to visit as well. The subsequent paragraphs are dedicated to the temple of Apollo for you to understand what makes it worthwhile. Keep reading to learn more about the items to try in Didim during your trip.

The Oracle of Didyma: A Sacred Window to the Ancient World

Didyma was not just a temple but one of antiquity’s most revered oracular sanctuaries, second only to Delphi. At its heart stood the colossal Temple of Apollo, where pilgrims sought prophecies from priests channeling the god’s wisdom through cryptic verses. The temple’s design was revolutionary: a hypaethral (open-air) sanctuary with 122 towering Ionic columns, two labyrinthine tunnels for ritual processions, and a sacred spring believed to reveal the future. Though Alexander the Great planned its reconstruction after Persian destruction, the site retained an aura of divine mystery—etchings of unanswered questions from ancient visitors still visible on its walls testify to humanity’s timeless search for guidance.

Exploring Didyma Today: Where Myth Meets Majesty

Modern visitors walking among the temple’s 2,300-year-old ruins can almost hear echoes of chanting priests and the shuffle of hopeful supplicants. Key highlights include the Medusa-headed column (a masterpiece of Roman-era craftsmanship), the well-preserved altar where offerings were made, and the Sacred Way that once connected Didyma to Miletus. Unlike crowded Ephesus, Didyma offers a quieter, more introspective journey—best experienced at sunset when golden light bathes the marble ruins. Nearby, the village of Yenihisar serves traditional Aegean mezes, letting travelers pair history with local flavors. Pro tip: Combine your visit with nearby Miletus or Priene for a full day of ancient wonders.

About the Temple of Apollo in Didyma

It dates from Greek times and is found at the doorway to the resort. You won’t need a full day to explore it, and it'd be wise not to go midday when the sun is blaring. If you've already seen Ephesus in Selcuk, the Temple of Apollo pales in comparison; however, it's still worth a visit. Excavation on the Temple of Apollo in Didyma first started in 1904. It had been discovered that before the Ionians ruled the world, the temple was a cult-worshiping oracle center, where sacrifices were made.

It was connected to the traditional city of Miletus via an extended paved road known nowadays as the sacred route. Over time, the world fell under the rule of the Persians, who were beaten by Alexander the Great, and he attempted to complete construction. Eventually, by 385 AD, no one worshiped the gods anymore, and when Christianity came to the world, a church was built within the boundary walls.

After you've taken a walk around the temple, head across to the souvenir shops to select up worthy and tacky souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Three traditional restaurants are serving a good range of Turkish cuisine and international cuisine. You can explore the temple in the late afternoon, calm down in one of the restaurant terraces, and watch the sun go down over the temple. Alternatively, if you have no plans to come back to Turkey, head to the British Museum, where some temples and column heads are resting.
 

Apollo Temple Didyma, Turkey

• Opening hours are 8 AM to 7 PM  from April to October. 8.30 AM to 5.30 AM From November to March

One of the biggest remains of ancient temples ever made is currently one of the foremost prized possessions and Didyma’s showpiece. To give you an actual figure, this temple is 51 by 110 meters and has 124 columns that are 20 metres tall. It's out and away the biggest and therefore the most beautiful temple you've ever seen.
 

FAQS

Q1. What is the history of Didyma?

Didyma was an ancient Hellenic sanctuary in modern-day Didim, Turkey, known for the Temple and Oracle of Apollo. It was a major religious center, connected to Miletus by a sacred road. Originally a pre-Greek cult site, it later became an important Ionian oracle.

Q2. Is Didim worth visiting?

Yes! Didim is worth visiting for its blend of history and natural beauty. The Temple of Apollo, ancient ruins, and nearby beaches with crystal-clear waters make it a great destination for both culture and relaxation.

Q3. Why is the Temple of Apollo at Didyma important?

The Temple of Apollo at Didyma was a major religious sanctuary in the ancient Greek world, renowned for its oracle and impressive architecture. It played a key role in spiritual and cultural life, attracting pilgrims seeking guidance from the god Apollo.

Q4. How old is the Temple of Apollo in Turkey?

The Temple of Apollo in Didyma dates back to the 8th or 7th century BC, when it was first established as a sacred site. The grand temple seen today began construction in the 4th century BC.

Visit Didyma Historic Site and discover Turkey Tours today!