information about Selene pension restaurant at the lake bafa

This region, with a history dating back 2,000 years,was once the home to famous pioneering philosopher Herakleitos.
Selenes Pension and Restaurant is proud to present Bafa Lake.Com
Selene's Pension is at the Lake Bafa Kapikiri Village ancient Herakleia - Latmos

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Those travelling to Bodrum from Izmir would know the serene beauty of Lake Bafa and environs. This quiet region only 40 minutes from Bodrum and once the setting of ancient civilizations, is finally receiving the recognition as an attraction that has been kept secret for centuries.
Lake Bafa and its surrounds is home to legends, and if given chance, people are assured to recognize its intrigue and beauty. Historical data reveals various ancient civilizations inhabiting the Bafa Lake environs that have a 2,000 year history. A sea with a large gulf once undulated on the region currently serving as the main transportation route linking Söke to Milas, to Bodrum. Soil brought in via the Büyük Menderes delta, closed off the gulf disconnecting the link between the lake and the Aegean Sea thousands of years ago. Today's Lake Bafa was once a sea with a present coastline filled with traces of the past attesting to this phenomenon

Shepherd Endymion used to stake out the beauty of the moon goddess "Selene" from peaks of Besparmak (Latmos) mountains. The village of Kapıkırı and the ancient city of Herakleia are located at the foot of these mountains. One is reminded of ancient tales and legends when looking into the sunset from the towers of the Byzantine castle in Kapıkırı village. Kapıkırı's houses brim with relics of ancient Herakleia from the Carian period in their gardens, and under their walls and trees. The village itself seems to be a relic of the past, still living in the past in a subtle, quiet way at the foot of the Besparmak-Latmos mountains.

MONASTERIES
İkizce (twin) island is connected to the mainland by a sand dune with a Byzantian monastery and an Athenian temple located on its top overlooking the lake and the Kapıkırı village. The temple used both the Doric and Ionic architectural styles, still in good condition, minus its roof.

On the eastern side of the temple, is the rectangular constructed agora as a two storied building. Only its first floor exists, today. The theatre is situated in the northeast of the city. Building dedicated to shepherd, Endymion- who was loved by the Goddess of Moon, Selene and was put to sleep for eternity by God of Gods, Zeus, and is located on the road to the shore and islands.

Herakleia became a safety land of hermitage for the monks and priests in the early evangelization of Asia Minor Christianity. The first monastery was established in the 7th century AD and many monasteries - maybe 13, spread around Heracleia. A castle was constructed in order to protect monasteries that were scattered through this wild region.

The caves around, which are considered to be inhabited by the monks and hermits, are ornamented by marvelous frescoes representing the life of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and the saints.


	TWIN ISLANDS There are many places to visit near the lake, as the "Yediler Monastery", various churches and the impressive ancient city of Herakleia. The natural beauty of the region is simply astounding. There are four large islands, the KapIkIrI, Ikizce, Menet and Kahvesar to the south of lake Bafa. Tourists would get the opportunity to hear the legend of the love story of Shepherd Endymion and the goddess of moon "Selene" if they chose to stay at Bafa for a few days. Villagers still believe the two lovers meet regularly at full moon. The site was excavated by a German team conducted by Anneliese Peschlow.