One of the most interesting sights in the Turkish city of Side is the Temple of Artemis. It is located in the south of the peninsula, by the sea, and is very close to the temple of Apollo. The temples were built at the same time and were dedicated to the most important gods of the city. In those days, for the locals, Apollo was the embodiment of the Sun, while his sister Artemis personified the Moon.
According to Greek mythology, Artemis was the virginal and always youthful goddess of the hunt. She was the patroness of all life on Earth, gave happiness in marriage and assisted in childbirth. Goddess of fertility and female chastity as many like her goddesses, protects women and children, alleviates the suffering of the dying, she is associated simultaneously with birth and death.
The Temple of Artemis is slightly larger than the Temple of Apollo, the length and width of its rectangular base being 35 and 20 metres respectively. The temple is about nine metres high and the columns are decorated with Corinthian parapets. The temple is believed to have been built in the second century.
The Temple of Artemis was built exclusively of marble and in the Corinthian style. Unfortunately, only five columns remain, but they are so impressive that they have become one of the most recognisable and popular symbols of Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
