Knidos: The Ancient City of Aphrodite on the Picturesque Datça Peninsula

Knidos is an ancient city dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, located on the Datça Peninsula at the confluence of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The city occupies less than a mile, stretching along the shores of Gekovo Bay and Sari Harbor. Although Knidos is abandoned today, a new Knidos — a modern resort — can be found 29 km away.

The ruins of ancient Knidos are situated on high terraces, accessible by faint paths.

The best way to reach Knidos is by car or as part of a guided tour. The city is located on the road between Marmaris and Datça. The nearest airport is in Antalya, 393 km from Knidos. From Antalya to Datça is 35 km (about six hours), and from Marmaris it is 110 km (1.5 hours).

Ancient Knidos was founded in the 7th century BC by the Cretans, who came in search of fertile lands. In 360 BC, the city was moved to the coast, to Cape Devediboynu, which facilitated its growth. Knidos became a major trade and cultural center, the birthplace of talents such as the architect Sostratus and the sculptor Praxiteles, who created the statue of Aphrodite.

Herodotus described the struggle of the inhabitants against the Persians. In 394 BC, after a defeat in the Corinthian War, the city passed into Greek hands. The Hellenistic period marked the peak of Knidos, which later experienced Roman and Byzantine phases. Destructive earthquakes led to the city’s decline by the 7th century. The first excavations began in the 19th century when English archaeologists discovered the statue of Demeter.

There are no clear tourist routes in Knidos, so excursions can be planned independently. It is recommended to walk along the four parallel streets and the inclined stone stairs. The ruins of the fortification walls, approximately 4 km long, can be seen around the city.

The main attraction is the Temple of Aphrodite, where the legendary statue once stood. Today, only marble foundations and a heart-shaped walkway remain. Visitors should also check out the Lower Theater, which could accommodate up to 8,000 spectators, and take note of the temples of Apollo and Corinth, the ruins of the Stoa and Bouleuterion, as well as the remains of an early Christian church with beautiful mosaics.