The sight of the ancient city of Knidos, located at the tip of the Datca Peninsula, always impresses yachts on approach. It is known as “the gate to the Aegean”, as it lies between a rocky island and the mainland where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet. The site features the ruins of the ancient city and two harbours that once catered to passing merchant vessels and warships. Today, although it’s easy to cruise past and simply remark on the site, do consider stopping and taking a guided tour of the area, where highlights include a mountaintop citadel, the remains of the Temple of Apollo, an acropolis, and the pedestal where the famed statue of Aphrodite once stood.

A Brief History of Knidos

Knidos (Cnidus) dates back to 2000 BC and was one of the main ancient cities in Caria (southwest Türkiye). The site was allied with the five other cities comprising the Doric Hexapolis, a federation of six Greek cities, including Kos and Halicarnassus. It is thought that Knidos became a primary location for the Romans and Byzantines due to its convenient trading position at the tip of the peninsula between the Greek islands of Kos, Nisyros, Giali, and Tilos.

The ancient city of Knidos was once a site of significant cultural and trading importance and home to an early medical school. Founded by Greek settlers, it differs from many other cities in the 4^th and 5^th centuries, as it was built on terraces due to its topography. The site is split between the mainland and the island of Tripion, also known as Cape Krio, which was once joined by a causeway and bridge, but a sandy isthmus connects them today.

Knidos is a remarkable site famed for its connection with Aphrodite. The city once featured a statue of this Greek Goddess of Love, created by the classical sculptor Praxiteles. Unfortunately, the figure didn’t survive the test of time, but the ornate pedestal where it once stood can still be seen at the site today. Copies of the statue do exist, the most famous of which can be seen in the Vatican Museum.

The Ancient Knidos Medical School

According to the Turkish Museum website, Knidos was a city of such great standing in ancient times that it became a well-known centre of science and was home to the respected Knidos School of Medicine, which helped shape the medical practices of that time. Medical treatments from Iran, Egypt, and India were practised at the school. According to early references, the school’s physicians treated patients from Knidos, Macedonia, and even the Persian Palace.

Knidos Today

Today, although much of the ancient city of Knidos lies in ruins, it is worth visiting, and you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring. The site is large, and its defensive walls stretch over 4 km. The ruins are scattered throughout the site, and although some have been excavated, archaeologists still have a lot to discover. A private tour is the best way to experience the site. 360 Yachting can arrange for an official TURSAB registered guide to take you and point out the highlights, which include the temples of Apollo, Dionysus, and Muses, the ancient theatre, the remains of Byzantine churches, an odeum, and an agora. CONTACT US if you would like to arrange a tour.

FURTHER READING:

Ancient Sites in Türkiye Near the Coast

About Datca

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