Systematic excavations in Notion started in 1921-22 by a French team conducted by C.
Picards, R.Demargel and A.Laumonier. During the serious excavations,
Sanctuary of Athena
was unearthed. The excavations of the city theatre and the northern necropolis was started
by a team under the supervision of Prof. E. Atalay in the years of 1985-86, but canceled by
the sudden death of Prof. E. Atalay. In 1992, a project- also supported by the Ministry of
Culture, Grand Circle Foundation of the USA and Ludwig Institute of Monument Research
(Vienna), was started in order to remove the thick cover of vegetation that had caused
great damage to the remains of the city and to explore the unknowns about
Notion. The city, located by the sea, resembles an acropolis
and is surrounded by 4 km long Hellenistic city walls. Today, most of the city
walls- giving a clear idea to the plan of the city, have been revealed. The
two main
gates of Notion are located in the west and in the north, opening onto the harbor. The
north gate was functioning in trade. In the center of the city, overlooking the splendid
view of The Temple of Claros , many structures have been revealed- The Temple of
Athena, primarily. Corinthian order temple with two columns built in the
2AD, in the reign of Hadrian, stands in good condition. During the recent years, a
restoration project to preserve the ruins of the Temple of Athena, has been planned. Built
in the Hellenistic era and located in the northeast of the city, the
theatre, is
one of the well-preserved structures in the city with a seating capacity of approximately
6000 and 27 rows of seats.
How to Go?…
The ancient Notion is 30 km north of Kusadasi. Kusadasi-Seferihisar
minibuses, departing
every 30 minutes, pass through Ahmetbeyli village which is close to the ancient site. |
