Sagalassos
People i met here who contributed to, and improved my trip:
My morning began in Isparta with a fresh cup of Turkish tea, and the enjoyment of Rasim's company. Around 09.40 we walked down to the centre together and he put my on the right bus to the terminal, which funnily enough had the same driver from yesterday. We exchanged smiles, but today i wasn't going to be asking for his help! Betul had found out the bus schedule to Aglasun for me, so i timed it nicely to catch the 10.30 minivan.
It was another belting day, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine, which accompanied by the fresh mountain air, made it ideal for walking.
There had been some form of a settlement in the area dating back to 1200BC, although the Cities glory days arrived under the Romans. Other notable inhabitants prior to them had included the Pisidians, Hittites, Alexander the Greats rampant Macedonians and the Selucids. Sadly many of the occupants succumbed to the plague and when an earthquake shook the buildings to the ground in the 7th Century, the remaining citizens abandoned the settlement for pastures new.
Entry was 5YTL ($3), which was more than reasonable for a site of this quality and other than three old people that were exiting the ruins, i had the place completely to myself. I would be interested to view these places when its crowded, to see how i like them in comparison to having them in solitude. I always think there is something magical to been the only person in such a Historical site. Its nice to just sit down, soak it all up and imagine what had passed before.
The first significant ruins that i approached was a monumental fountain, which had been restored and had the original water source running through it. From here i walked up to the theatre, which was in pretty decent shape and had a particularly nice stage that was falling to pieces, adding to its character.
What i love about places like Sagalassos is you have no idea what to expect, as there are no photos plastered all around Turkey telling you to go there. With the library at Ephesus it feels like you have seen it so many times before arriving, that its hard to really blow you away, as it almost feels like you have seen it too many times. Thus seeing the Nymphaeum for the first time was more than a pleasant surprise, and in my opinion a structure that in some respects comes close to rivaling the famous library. The marble pillars and intricate carvings are simply stunning and the restoration work looks more authentic than most of the work thats gone on around Selcuk.
Located just above the Nymphaeum was the equally impressive Heroon, which was the Hero's Shrine.
In the mountain just behind the Heroon were several rock cut tombs and a path that led around to plenty of other crumbling buildings. With archaeologists trying to piece back together the ruins every summer time, i tried to imagine what the site could end up looking like. As people hadn't scavenged the site for its materials, most of the original stones used for the buildings still remain in the area, so I'm sure in time Sagalassos could rival Ephesus.
On my way towards the exit i took a look around the lower agora, roman baths and another fountain and then set off back down the mountain.
