Iasos
An Ancient Pearl
by Slowtravelguide
Iasos is an often forgotten ancient site near the Bodrum Peninsula. Being probably more than 4,000 years old, it was a prosperous town; the fishing trade generated its primary income.
It is still a tiny fishing village with restaurants, mainly serving local seafood in a highly attractive setting.
The Iasos Customs Building At The Entrance Of The Harbour
History Of Iasos
The original settlement was part of Argos. Between 431-404 BC, it became involved in the Peloponnesian War.
The city was conquered several times through the ages. First, by the Spartans, and in the 4th Century, it was destroyed by Alexander The Great. And then Philip V, King of Macedon, did his thing. He, in his turn, had to give Iasos, forced by the Romans, to Ptolemy V of Egypt. Then the city came into Byzantium, before falling under Ottoman rule until it was abandoned in the 15th or 16th Century.
The nearby village of Kıyıkışlacık remains populated until today.
The East West Stoa
Artefact On The Stoa
The Landmarks
Iasos is, without a doubt, a site worth visiting. Standing proud and alone in the water, the tower in the western port looks spectacular and gives the site an extra dimension, away from the old stones in the site itself.
Excavations started at the beginning of the 19th century. The major works were done by an Italian team of an archaeologists from 1960 and later.
Several spectacular discoveries were made, including artefacts from the Bronze Age, mozaics, the Bouleuterion and the Mausoleum.
The Chamber Tombs With Multiple Graves
The Bouleuterion
The Bouleuterion lies next to the Agora and is one of the first buildings you will see when you enter the site, the original building dates back to the 4th century BC, but this version dates later, from the 1st century AD.
It was first a council building but later became a tiny theatre.
The Bouleuterion Overlooking To The East
The Natural Beauty Of Iasos Is Undeniable.
The Agora And Stoae
136-138 AD. This was the Stoae’s period; the Agora dates back to.
The Bouleuterion and the sanctuary of Artemis, together with some public buildings, were accessed through the Southern Stoa.
The Agora At Iasos
Iasos Crossroads At The Agora
The Customs Building At Iasos
Overlooking The Harbourwall And The Customs Building
The Customs Building
The Customs Building, which sits at the entrance of the western Port, is without a doubt the most iconic building at Iassos. It was constructed at the eastern pier for defence and lookout. These piers were not built to break the waves but to coordinate naval passage.
Overlooking The Harbour Wall And The Customs Building
Beautiful Mosaics
The Mosaics Are Well Preserved
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private or rental car (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Bodrum Milas Airport.
Parking: Yes.
Terrain: Easy to medium.
Stroller: Yes.
Entrance Fee: Free (check before you visit).
Facilities: Cafes, restaurants and shops in Kıyıkışlacık.
Best Time To Visit: All year, depending on the weather (closed on Monday).
Mosaics Remains At Iasos
The House Of The Mosaics
On the southern slopes of the hill where the Castle is built, you can find the house of the mosaics. Stunning mosaics are under display, and in the summer of 2021, the site started with building a new home for the mosaics and several paths leading up the hill to make access easier.
Classic Roman Statue
View Of The Inside Of The Museum
The Mausoleum Temple View From The Porticoes
Several Arcs In The Mausoleum Of Iasos
Bas Relief In The Museum
The Mausoleum Temple
The Museum
Not far from the ancient site, you can find the Iasos Museum. The building is called the Fish Market. The name came from a wrong identification, although people kept on using the wrong name. The building was completely restored and is a Roman Mausoleum from the 13th Century AD.
The collection displayed in the Museum consists of several important, valuable artefacts.
Text Tablets At The Museum
Practical Information
Facilities are far away from the site so carry water and some food with you. If you are visiting during the summer, protect yourself from the sun. Wearing hiking shoes will be helpfull.
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Around Iasos
Besides the apparent buildings, there are several other ruins, but not always in good condition. There is a theatre with only one wall standing. Most of the marble was used for the quays of Constantinople.
Other ruins include a Basilica, a necropolis, and the impressive baldaquin tomb at the village’s entrance.
Places Nearby
Beçin Castle, Byzantine castle on the temporary list of Unesco world heritage sites (27 km)
Lake Bafa, where ancient site meets with village life (54km)
Heraklea and Yediler Monastery, shocking traces of life (44km)
Euromos, best-preserved Zeus Temple (21 km)
Stratonikea, an ancient city founded for the sake of love (52km)
Lagina, the ancient city of 2500 years old, where the Temple of Hecate, the goddess of fate and magic, is located (66 km)
Places We Recommend
Laodicea
Laodicea is a fascinating ancient site. It lacks charm, but it makes up for that in scale, and thought-provoking reconstruction works. After all, this is an important ancient city that was reduced to ruins after a series of devastating earthquakes. (Read more)
Knidos
Knidos is one of these ancient sites with many attractive features to them. The setting is spectacular, there is a lighthouse (always favourite with me), two harbours for the price of one :-), and as a bonus, there are different appealing stories to tell about it. (Read more)
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