Didyma - Temple of Apollo

The huge Temple of Apollo or Didymaion has been well-excavated and partially restored. It stood on a northeast/southwest axis and was originally surrounded by a sacred grove. At the northeast end lay a semi-circular partly-raised terrace dating from the Archaic period, on which stood a portico, other buildings and various votive offerings. Four 2.50m/8ft wide flights of steps led down to the cella of the temple.

Outside the northeast end of the temple stands the main altar, similar to the one at Olympia in the Peloponnese. Within a low parapet was a conical structure built up from ashes mixed with the blood of sacrificial animals. To the north of the altar are bases for votive statues and a well dating from the Hellenistic period