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Cuvercin Ada or Pigeon Island, regrettably, was not a stop on the itinerary of the shore excursion we took when we visited Kusadasi and Ephesus. Actually, I don't remember seeing Pigeon Island until our ship was leaving. As our ship slowly passed the island by on out way out of port, it looked like a very enticing place to spend a Summer's day by the Aegean Sea! Waves splashed the rocky beach area which hugged the hilly island. Boats bobbed at their moorings and colorful umbrellas flapped in the sea breezes which I thought must have be very delightful because it was extremely hot & humid on the mainland that day.
The island is in the flight path of birds during the seasonal migrations, and it was originally known as Bird Island. The island lent its name to the close by town on the mainland and the town then became known as "Kusadasi" (kus" meaning bird; "ada" meaning island). However, sometime during the Ottoman reign, the island started to be called "Pigeon Island," and it retains that name today.
Even prior to the Ottoman period, the island was used as a defensive position which guarded the shores from attacks by sea and as such was used for military purposes. A Byzantine castle or fortress was built high atop the island, with some walls and towers remaining today. The castle was known as "Pirate Castle," although there may be conflicting opinions as to why. One source states that "Ironically, legend has it that during the 1500's the island was used by Kheir-ed-din Barbarossa (Ottoman admiral and privateer, or pirate, depending on point of view) as a base from which to operate through the Mediterranean Sea, and also as a place to stash his treasure." However, some Turkish guide sources contend that it was actually used as a citadel against pirates.
The causeway to the island makes it very accessible for day trips where several cafes serve refreshments and offer a splendid seaside retreat to view a glorious sunset. The "Citadel of Küçük Ada" now boasts a lighthouse, restaurant, and nightclub. For bird lovers, there is an aviary with several birdhouses with migrating birds still descending on the island. Day visitors might enjoy diving around the huge foundation rocks and those scattered nearby in the sea because they give sanctuary to a wide variety of sea life.
Updated Apr 26, 2013
Walk around the archeological sites of Ephesus and learn about the glorious city of Ephesus. Make sure you hire a guide or carry a guide book. It is such a fascinating ancient city with baths, gyms, acoustic theatre and temples, arches and much more.... Fascinating...
Written Dec 13, 2012
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This was my second visit to this lovely old Roman city and I would highly recommend visiting Ephesus when you're in Kusadasi. The ruins of this city dates as far back as 3000 BC and excavations on the site is still ongoing.
It is one of the best photogenic spots I found and you will surely be taking many photos here, so make sure you have enough memory left on your card, do not get caught without memory. I have been with a tour guide on each visit and i will recommend that definately.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
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This was my second visit to this lovely old Roman city and I would highly recommend visiting Ephesus when you're in Kusadasi. The ruins of this city dates as far back as 3000 BC and excavations on the site is still ongoing.
It is one of the best photogenic spots I found and you will surely be taking many photos here, so make sure you have enough memory left on your card, do not get caught without memory. I have been with a tour guide on each visit and i will recommend that definately.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
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A fantastic site, well worth the visit. These remnants of ancient Greek civilization are fantastic. Not to be missed, perhaps, only during the high tourist season when busload follows busload through the main tourist route among the ruins.
The site and its history is just too complex to get to grips with in a sentence, here, so I leave it to Wikipedia (see below)
There were people trying to sell various souvenirs and guide books, and I would actually recommend that you buy one, because on the actual site, well inside, there is nothing of the sorts, and at the exist tha same thing.
Written Oct 12, 2010
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus
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We strolled into the marine and there were many many yachts lying there. I also noticed that they had cruise boats, which I believe you can book for and go for a day excursion. If it was anything like the one we did in Altinkum, I would really recommend it. Unfortunately we did not spend much time in Kusadasi, so could not do it.
Written Oct 18, 2009
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I found it a very emotional experience visiting the house of Mary. It is believed that Mary went to Ephesus with John, but could not stay down in Ephesus itself due to christians being prosecuted, hence she stayed up in the mountain in this 2 roomed house until her death.
It's a truly facinating place to visit, whether or not you have any belief in religion or spirituality. Today it is a tiny Roman Catholic chapel made entirely from stone in Roman architectural style.
Pope Jean-Paul II declared the shrine of the Virgin Mary (found near the exit of the church) to be a 'pilgrimage place for all Christians'. Annualy on 15ht August , a ceremony is held at the chapel to celebrate Mary's assumption
Written Oct 18, 2009
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It was difficult to decide whether to list the Hotel Karvansary as an attraction or hotel accommodations. From the outside, the Karvansary built of solid stone with roofline crenelations and grand portico appears to be an Ottoman fortress. The original Ottoman Caravanserai was built by Okuz Mehmet Pasha in 1618. Today the karvansary seems to be one of the few historical looking buildings still remaining in Kusadasi. It was used for storage of trade goods coming into the port. Today the Karvansary is a stylish hotel which has been renovated to offer modern facilities, yet still preserving all the typical characteristics of a Caravanserail - two floors, two entrances and a spacious courtyard.
In addition to the two-story building's beautiful facade, the most alluring aspect is its traditionall inner courtyard where the architectural details are quite beautiful. The second-floor courtyard balcony features columns suporting Moorish-type arches.
Inside the courtyard, Turkey umbrella-shaded tables are a nice place to stop for a refreshing drink. There is an outside restaurant and hand-made Turkish carpets are on display for sale.
Return in the evening for their "Turkish Nights" Show which is a "selection of traditional Turkish Folklore music and dance, oriental belly dancing and more..... "
The hotel is open year-round and offers excellent rates via the internet. Look for specials. Each of the 26 rooms has a private bath and FREE wireless internet!!
Updated Aug 25, 2009
Address: Attaturk Blvd., Kusadasi
Website: caravanserail@kusadasihotels.com
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This Castle is located on the highest point of Pigeon Island. It is a Byzantium Castle that was built up on the rocks. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, it was used as a lookout point to stop Pirate's attacks, hence, this is how it got its name. The Tower, which is a the top of the Island, was used by Guards for their accommodation and for a lookout. There is also a cistern here.
Updated Jul 15, 2009
Address: Pigeon Island, Kusadasi
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When visiting Kusadasi you must take the short walk to Pigeon Island. The Island, in the Ottoman times, was used to secure the shores and to protect the Town from Sea Attacks. As you walk along the causeway, there are Boats and their Captains, waiting for people to take a tour with them. On reaching the Island (ADMISSION FREE) there are Cafes and a nice walk that you can do all around the Island. Good views are had from all sides. I couldn't stay for sunset, but evidently, it is nice. Toilets are also located on the Island.
Written Jul 15, 2009
Address: Kusadasi
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Comments (1)
I recommend you ADALAND which is the best in Europe. It includes waterpark, dolphinpark and seapark. There is also Rafting. You should see the amazing show of the dolphins and you should also swim with them. It is really amazing. In seapark section there are different kinds of sea animals also a shark:)