Manisa Province
Manisa Province is a Province in western Turkey. Its adjacent provinces are Izmir to the west, Aydin to the south, Denizli to the south east, Usak to the east, Kutahya to the north east, and Balikesir to the north. Its capital is Manisa.
Sites of Interest
The Spil Mountain National Park includes a richly forested area, hot springs, and the famous "crying rock" of Niobe, and the carving of Goddess Cybele. It boasts about 120 kinds of native plants, especially wild tulips known as Anemone. This park provides opportunities for mountaineering and camping.
Sardis, in Salihli, was the ancient capital of Lydia, ruled by King Croesus. Due to numerous earthquakes, most of the visible remains date back only to Roman times. There are the remains of the temple of Artemis and a restored gymnasium, exhibiting of the past splendor of this ancient city. The splendid synagogue from the 3rd century is worth visiting, with its elaborate mosaics and artfully carved colored-stone panels.
Akhisar (or Tepe Mezarligi), the ancient city of Thyatira, was one of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation. More recently, it is an important commercial center in the province.
The ruins of the ancient city of Philadelphia, another of the Seven Churches, lie in the Alasehir area. There is little left of the ancient, except some ruins of a Byzantine church.
At Sindelli village there are the fossil human footprints, which have been dated to about 50-25th century BC.
Houses at Kula are beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. Yunt Dagi, Gordes, Kula and Demirci are famous for their precious carpets and kilims. In addition there are many thermal springs throughout the area.
External links
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