Didyma — Temple of Apollo (Didim)

Ancient City

In Didim, Aydın — the colossal Temple of Apollo, the most famous oracle of the ancient world after Delphi. A sanctuary that awes with its unfinished grandeur.

Didim (ancient Didyma) is one of the most important sanctuaries on the Ionian coast and was known, after Delphi, as the most famous oracle of the ancient world. Its colossal Temple of Apollo was among the most ambitious architectural projects of the Hellenistic age; built over centuries, it was never fully completed — and that very "unfinishedness" makes it all the more striking today.

The temple was once ringed by more than 120 giant Ionic columns; the height of those still standing and the fine carving of the column bases reveal the scale the building aspired to. In the inner courtyard (adyton), a sacred spring and laurel trees marked the place where priests delivered their prophecies. In antiquity, Didyma was linked to the coast by the Sacred Way that began at Miletus.

About two hours from our hotel, this temple is a compelling stop for those who wish to combine a seaside holiday with the mystery of an ancient oracle.