Temple of Apollo at Didyma

The Temple of Apollo at Didyma ranks among the largest religious buildings of the ancient Greek world, with massive marble columns reaching over 60 feet tall. The complex surrounds a sacred spring that was central to the site's religious purpose and design.

The Persians destroyed the original sanctuary in 494 BC during their invasion of Ionia. Alexander the Great ordered its reconstruction around 300 BC after liberating the region, transforming it into a symbol of renewed Greek power.

The temple served as a major Oracle site where people came from across the Mediterranean seeking Apollo's guidance on important matters. Walking through the ruins today, you can sense how central this place was to ancient religious life and decision-making.

The site sits about 16 kilometers from ancient Miletus and is reachable via an old processional road that once connected the two places for religious ceremonies. Plan your visit with the distance and exposure to sun in mind, as the ruins offer little shade.

The building features an unusual double row of columns that enclose a spacious open-air central chamber rather than a roofed interior space. This open-air design, rare among ancient temples, created a distinctive appearance that made it stand out from other sanctuaries.