Myhts of Mount Ida: Zeus Altar and Mythological Trails

Mount Ida, or Kazdağları as it is known today, is enchanting not only for its oxygen-rich air, but also for its mythological depth. Since antiquity, this mountain has been referred to as “Mount Ida,” appearing in the verses of Homer as the sacred gathering place of the gods. Walking through Kazdağları is like moving through a living myth.

⚡ Zeus Altar: The Meeting Point of the Gods

Located near the village of Adatepe, the Zeus Altar sits atop a ridge overlooking the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Edremit. Legend says that during the Trojan War, Zeus watched the battle unfold from this very point—and made divine decisions alongside the gods.

• Locals refer to it as the “sacrificial stone.”
• Hollows and flattened stones in the area suggest ceremonial use in ancient times.
• Visitors often say the energy here feels not only historical, but powerfully natural.

Tip: Hike to Zeus Altar at sunset—the view is not only visual, it’s almost spiritual.

🏛️ Mount Ida in Mythology

In Greek mythology, Kazdağları is known as Mount Ida, a backdrop to many divine stories:

• The Judgment of Paris: Paris, prince of Troy, chose the fairest goddess—Aphrodite, Hera, or Athena—right here in Mount Ida, setting in motion the Trojan War.
• The Troy Connection: Close to the ancient city of Troy, Mount Ida is considered the natural stage of Homer’s Iliad.
• Aphrodite’s Gardens: Some legends claim that the goddess of love cultivated gardens of beauty in these hills.

🌿 Mythological Trails You Can Walk Today

1. Zeus Altar – Adatepe Trail
2. A short but powerful path that winds through olive groves and leads to the summit. Walking here feels like stepping into a timeless silence.
3. Mount Ida National Park
4. Filled with endemic flora, small lakes, waterfalls, and forest paths—it gives physical form to mythology’s ancient “source of life.”
5. Hasan Boğuldu Pond
6. Named after a local love legend, this tranquil pond blends myth and folklore, offering yet another magical stop in your journey.

🌿 Conclusion: Walking in Mount Ida Is Walking Through a Story

Every step through Kazdağları carries you deeper into ancient time—into the realm of gods and legends. If you’re planning a stay near Assos, be sure to add these trails to your itinerary. Seeing the world from where Zeus once stood lends a whole new meaning to your journey.

👉 From Longevity, you can easily reach these mythological stops and turn your holiday into a soulful exploration.