Kusadasi & Athens

Kusadasi

We entered through the Magnesia Gate at Ephesus to begin a slow downhill walk to the ruins of this Roman Provincial Capital. We then visited the 6th century cathedral Basilica of St John which was built by the Emperor Justinian over the Tomb of St John the Apostle. The Basilica now in ruins, once rivaled St Sophia in size. You could see the graceful columns and mosaics of the Basilica.

We past the Odean Theatre¸the Elsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theatre. The theatre had seating for 24,000 which was the site where it is believed St Paul preached to the Ephesians and it is used today for local spring festivals.

Next we visited the House of the Virgin Mary. The Vatican has recognized this small house in the Solmissos Mountains it as the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. A small shrine dedicated to St. Mary was found when the ruins of the house were first discovered. While there you can take holy water from the spring or leave a wishing note on tissue stuck into the brick wall.

After that we watched another rug weaving demonstration and then had an hour to shop in the local shops.

Athens

Another day of churches and ruins. I’m glad this is the last. We are just about cultured out.

Our first visit today was to the Acropolis which dominates the Athenian skyline. Eighty steps took us to the Parthenon which is constantly being repaired and was covered in scaffolding. Next to that is the smaller but more beautiful Erectheion, a temple honoring the Goddess Athena and the sea god Poseidon. The graceful Porch of Caryatids features columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple.

We had lunch at a lovely 5 star resort then of to see the Temple of Poseidon built on a cliff on Cape Sounion – Europe’s southern most point. I was expecting to see a temple – but no – another ruin which are all starting to look the same. We drove for an hour and a half, walked up a rocky, uneven paths and steps to view the ruins of this 5th Century B.C. temple dedicated to the Sea God. However the scenery was lovely. The changing light and crashing waves create a scene that once inspired Lord Byron. The Aegean Sea is the most beautiful colour and really clear. But we still have the best beaches in the world in Australia.

During the day we also saw the old and new Olympic Stadiums, Hadrian’s Arch, The statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace and the National Gardens.

Today is a free day before we arrive in Venice tomorrow. We are now making arrangements for our transfers to the airport and repacking our bags. We really are ready to come home – it has been a long, exhausting trip.