Marmaris
Physicus

 

 

Marmaris is the site of ancient Physicus, a deme of the Rhodian Peraea, but virtually nothing remains of this ancient city. Its origins date back over 2500 years. The modern town is built on the site of the ancient Greek city of Phryscus, the remains of which can still be seen on Asar Tepe, a hill 1.5 km to the north of the modern town. The acropolis was sited on a hill to the north of the present town, but there is little to see and an excursion is hardly worthwhile for the sake of the ruins. It is however a delightful walk up a rocky gorge hemmed in by pine trees and cooled by a stream.
It is strange that so little should remain of ancient Physicus when it was considered to be the most important of all the cities in the Peraea, the only one to be named separately, according to George Bean, and a city that enjoyed a special relationship, presumably commercial, with Lindos on Rhodes. In all likelihood the city was carried away piece-meal by ships for building projects elsewhere, or perhaps just as ballast. The accessibility of the site and the anchorage, denying it the longevity of the other less accessible sites on the Loryma Peninsula. Although very little is left from ancient times, a toy-like medieval fortress rises above the jumble of the old village. The fortress may have been built by Suleyman the Magnificent in 1522 A.D. as a base for his assault on Rhodes against the Knights of St. John.

Until the growth of tourism, Marmaris was a sleepy little fishing village. Modern Marmaris could hardly appear peaceful, with its pleasing palm-lined waterfront promenade, the boats bobbing on the gentle offshore swells, and a well-stocked bazaar where you can pickup delicious local honey and rose jam, frankincense, and other exotica. You can also strike out for nearby beaches at Icmeler, Turunç and Kumlubük. Marmaris also is a very convenient location for travelers wishing to cross over to Greece. There are daily ferryboats between Marmaris and Rhodes (if you are in the mood for Greek food).
 
TIP: Ladies - this is a great place to shop! We find that the prices here are the lowest in Turkey! You can bargain everywhere - even in shops where the prices are on the merchandise. Things to buy: clothes, olive oil soap (this is the best place to buy), bathing suites, oregano, thyme. There are also some internet cafes here if you have the need to check with home. Look at the business cards at the back of the Blue Notebook for our favorite stores. Make sure you tell them you are from the Gundogan so you get a discount.
 
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A copy of this information is available onboard the Gundogan for your convenience.