Captivating history: Ancient sites around Antalya
Stones of splendour: the ruins of Arycanda
The Arycanda Theatre, constructed in the 2nd century is an outstanding example of Roman architecture. Built around 90 kilometres northwest of Antalya on a natural slope – the stadium, theatre, odeon and agora are arranged on top of each other in terraces. The superbly preserved rows of seats are particularly noteworthy, from which you also have a magnificent view of the breathtaking mountain landscape. The other buildings of the ruined city, including thermal springs and a necropolis, are also worth a visit.
The legacy of Saint Paul: Perge
The remote location of the ancient city of Perge, far off the coast, protected it from pirate attacks, allowing it to grow undisturbed into one of the wealthiest cities in Anatolia. Perge is an important site for Christianity, as Paul the Apostle regularly visited the city on his journeys as a missionary. Excavations have uncovered numerous statues and artworks that testify to the rich history of this ancient trading metropolis.
City of maritime trade: Phaselis
Although smaller than many other ancient sites, the once extremely wealthy city of Phaselis and its sea trading port is by no means less attractive. In Kemer, approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Antalya, this ancient city stretches along a peninsula at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, nestled in the Olimpos Beydağları National Park. The hiking trails lead through picturesque terrain covered by pine trees. Afterwards, the nearby beach invites you to take a refreshing dip in the shallow waters of the southern bay – the ideal place for a relaxing detour, especially for families.
A rewarding ascent: Termessos
Hidden high up in a rugged mountain valley, 34 kilometres northwest of Antalya, lies the impressive ruined city of Termessos. The challenging ascent to the upper city (about 1,050 metres) requires sturdy footwear but takes you to stunning ruins, including a theatre at the summit with breathtaking views towards Antalya. In the lower part of the city, you will find remains of the Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Hadrian, the Hadrian propylaeum, the monumental city walls and colonnaded streets
Promenade to the past: Olympos
Hidden in the forests of the Beydağları Coastal National Park in Çıralı lie the ruins of Olympos, once a major city of the Lycian Federation. Only a few of the remains are preserved, but the path along the Akça River, running past overgrown remnants of the wall, has an almost magical atmosphere. Next door is the golden Olympos Beach, an important nesting spot for the protected loggerhead sea turtles. Thanks to the involvement of the WWF, the coast has remained protected, with small guest houses and treehouses, particularly popular among backpackers, characterising the area.
A Temple of Art in Aspendos
According to legend, in the 2nd century, the King of Aspendos promised century his beautiful daughter to whoever could build the most functional structure for the city. Impressed by the acoustics of this theatre, which offered 20,000 seats, he chose its architect to be his son-in-law. The lavish column decoration, timberwork, friezes, rosettes and ornaments can still be admired today, and the structure is also adorned with a relief of Dionysus. Today, the theatre is a popular (although, for preservation reasons, rarely used) backdrop for concerts, including some performances from the prestigious Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival.
In the Lycian kingdom: Xanthos and Letoon
In the picturesque surroundings of Fethiye, about 200 kilometres from Antalya, lie the ancient sites of Xanthos and Letoon, two impressive testaments of the Lycian civilisation. Letoon was the ancient sanctuary of the city of Xanthos and the Lycian Federation, where Leto, Artemis and Apollo were venerated in late antiquity. The monumental columns with trilingual inscriptions in Lycian, Greek and Aramaic testify to the region’s former importance as a cultural centre, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can immerse themselves in the intriguing world of the Lycians, which over time has been overlaid and displaced by the Roman conquest and rise of Christianity.
Holidays with history: Side
Located approximately 60 kilometres east of Antalya, now officially a district of Manavgat, Side is best known for its wide range of hotel complexes and expansive sandy beaches, but the city also boasts impressive historical ruins that testify to its past as a thriving port and commercial city. The Temple of Apollo, with its five picturesque columns by the sea and the Turkish Riviera coast in the background, is arguably its most famous landmark. The well-preserved theatre from the Roman period, the Great Bath and the ancient agora with the Temple of Tyche are also worth a visit.
At home with Saint Nicholas: Myra and Kekova
Located approximately 100 kilometres west of Antalya, Myra (now known as Demre) impresses with ornately-decorated rock tombs, providing insights into the Lycian funeral culture, and a well-preserved amphitheatre. The town became known for its former bishop, Nicholas of Myra, who is still honoured around the world every year on 6 December, his birthday. Afterwards, it’s worth making an excursion to the sunken city of Kekova. Just a short boat ride away, you can discover the remains of the ancient city under the crystal-clear waters of the bay – a unique experience combining nature and history.
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