|
The eastern Mediterranean town
of Silifke is at
the junction of the coastal highway
and the road north up to Turkey's Anatolian plateau
(map). It's
also near the place to catch a ferry
to northern Cyprus.
Founded by Seleucus I Nicator (one
of Alexander
the Great's generals) in the 3rd
century BC, Silifke (see-LEEF-keh,
pop. 80,000) has a few interesting
historic sights, such as:
—The Byzantine fortress commanding
the town from a hilltop
—The Tekir
Ambarı, an ancient stone
cistern blow the fortress
—Ruins
of the Roman Temple
of Jupiter
—A small Archeological
Museum
—The Great
Mosque (Ulu Cami) with
foundations from Seljuk
Turkish times
—The Reşadiye
Mosque, built by the Ottomans using
columns recycled from the Temple of
Jupiter.
| |
 |
| |
Roman
stone bridge, Silifke. |
Silifke has a few low-budget
hotels and restaurants,
but nearby Kızkalesi has
a better, brighter selection and
overall is probably a better
place to stay the night.
Bus and minibus traffic
between Silifke and Adana (via Kızkalesi, Mersin and Tarsus)
is fast and furious all
day, making it easy to travel the eastern
coast by public transport. More...
About 5 km (3 miles) from Silifke's otogar (bus
station) off the road to Taşucu is
the Cave
of St Thecla (Ayatekla).
A young virgin from Iconium (Konya),
Thecla overheard St Paul preaching
in her neighbor's house and converted to
Christianity. Persecuted for
her beliefs, she triumphed and was
revered by the Byzantines,
who built a splendid church above
the cave where she allegedly sought
shelter from her persecutors. The church
is now in ruins, but the cave beneath
is a place of pilgrimage for
Christians.
Fast ferries to Girne
(Kyrenia) in northern Cyprus depart
from the Silifke suburb of Taşucu (TAHSH-oo-joo),
11 km (7 miles) west of Silifke's
otogar (bus terminal). More...
|
