Izmir is the unofficial capital of the Turkish Aegean area. This busy port claims to be the birthplace of Homer, and it also has one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. Visit the bazaar; the Kemeralti, Sadirvan and Hisar mosques; the 17th-century caravansary; the archaeological museum (ancient sculptures and other displays); the Agora (marketplace); and Kadifekale (the "Velvet Castle" atop Mount Pagus, with a spectacular view). Day trips from Izmir include historical sites at Didyma, Miletus and Priene. Izmir can also be used as a base for visiting the historic towns of Ephesus, Kusadasi, Sardes and Selcuk, although most people find Izmir too big and confusing to want to linger in the city itself. 210 mi/340 km southwest of Istanbul.