Description of the attraction
One of the most interesting sights of the Turkish city of Side is the Temple of Artemis. It is located in the south of the peninsula, right by the sea, and is very close to the Temple of Apollo. The temples were built at the same time and were dedicated to the most important gods of the city. In those days, for the locals, Apollo was the embodiment of the Sun, and his sister Artemis personified the Moon.
According to Greek mythology, Artemis was a virgin and always young goddess of the hunt. She was the patroness of all life on Earth, gave happiness in marriage and assisted in childbirth. The goddess of fertility and female chastity, like many goddesses like her, protects women and children, relieves the suffering of the dying, she is associated with both birth and death.
The Temple of Artemis is slightly larger than the Temple of Apollo, the length and width of its rectangular base are 35 and 20 meters, respectively. The height of the temple is about nine meters, and the columns are decorated with Corinthian parapets. The temple is believed to have been built in the second century.
The Temple of Artemis was built exclusively of marble and was designed in the Corinthian style. Unfortunately, only five columns remain from it, but they also make such a strong impression that they have become one of the most recognizable and popular symbols of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
