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ANTALYA
When King Attalos first set eyes on Antalya he dubbed it "Paradise on Earth"
It's fertile soil and natural harbour made it ideal for settlers throughout the ages.
Antalya has had an extremely chequered history. The Persians, Alexander the Great, The Romans the Arabs and many more have all left their mark on the area over the centuries but no one more so than King Attalos of Pergamon who in 159 B.C.gave the region its name Attalia, from which we derive the modern name Antalya.
Antalya and its environs enjoyed a golden era in the first and second centuries A.D.,
reflected in the magnificence and multitude of cities to be found at that time of which Side and Aspendos in the east and Phaselis, Olympos and Xanthos in the west are just a few.
Those days of glory began to fade however during the Byzantium period at the turn of the 3rd century A.D. with the fall of Constantinople as the capital of East Rome.
Later the Arab invasions with their plundering and pillaging signalled the final demise of these great cities.
And in 1207 the regions of Antalya and Alanya came to be associated with the Selchuks.
Today the city of Antalya is again reliving a golden age.
It has been transformed into a cultural and touristic hub, as well as a popular conference and congress centre. It has much on offer to satisfy the discerning visitor - whether here on holiday, on business or taking part in an important conference - whatever it is Antalya has it all. |
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Termessos
Güllük Dagi is another national park, 4km to the northwest of Antalya. The ancient city of Termessos, set inside the park, is located on a 1050 metre
high plateau on the west side of Güllük Mountain (Solymos). |
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Ariassos
At a distance of 8 km along the Antalya Burdur highway and before arriving at the Dag, turn left, and Ariassos is reached 1 km further on. A village of antiquity, Ariassos was built on a hillside and could survey its surroundings. The gate, baths, rock tombs and mausoleum are worth seeing. |
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Phaselis
Phaselis is reached one km after turning left 57 km along the Antalya-Kemer highway. This was settled by the Rhodians in the 7th century B.C. and for many years was claimed to be the most important port city of the eastern Lycian seaboard. On both sides of the avenue are sidewalks and shops. Close to these can be seen the public places like baths, theatre and agora. It is reached by road and also from the sea. |
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Limyra
Known to have been existing since the 5th century B.C. it is located on the Kumluca-Finike road 11 km after Kumluca. While suffering extensive damage from an earthquake in 141 A.D. Limyra bloomed again, but, unable to withstand the Arab invasions in the 7th and 9th centuries A.D. the inhabitants abandone the city. It consists of three main parts, the acropolis, the settlement and the necropolis. |
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Arycanda
Is located 26 km from Turuncova on the Finike-Elmali Highway it is necessary to walk about 1km. It is not known exactly when Arykanda, which dominated the Akarcay valley and its surroundings, was established. Known as Aalanda in Byzantine times, it was built on terraces; many of the buildings are in a good state of preservation. The theatre is especially spectacular and has beautiful views. |
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Myra (Demre)
Situated between Finike and Kaş, it is 25 km from Finike and 48 km from Kas. Although it was originally a coastal town, it has been seperated from the sea because of the alluvium from the Demre stream.
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St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas born in 245 A.D. in Patara near Fethiye (known variously as St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Pére Noel) and died in 363 A.D., having spent his life in Anatolia. After he died he was buried in Demre and a church was built there in his memory.
The first Father Christmas symposium ever was held between 5-7December 1983. This symposium is now held annually and is attended by people of religion and science from all over the world.
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Simena (Kale)
Can be reached by sea from Üçagiz. The beauty of Simena lies in its blending of history, sea and sun. Here one is fascinated by the remains of ancient civilizations lying under the blue and translucent waters of the Mediterranean.
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Antiphellos (Kas)
Today's Kas is a coastal city of the Lycians. "Phellos" is the Greek word for "stony place" and this name is very well suited to Kas. Its well preserved rock tombs and theatre are well worth seeing. Kas today is a small and charming coastal resort.
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Patara
At about 10km beyond Kalkan on the Kalkan-Fethiye highway you turn south and continue 10km along the road to Patara. Patara opened its doors to Alexander the Great, thereby earning the status of an important harbour city, in addition to having been the birthplace of St. Nicholas.
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Xanthos
This is the oldest and largest city of the mountain province in Lycia, settled in the valley of the Xanthos river. The city itself consists of the Lycian acropolis and the parts remaining outside it, as well as the Roman acropolis. The most interesting building is the Roman theatre and the building west of the theatre. The most famous is the Harpy Monument, which is a family sarcophagus situated on a rock.
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Letoon
To reach Letoon, you turn west one kilometre beyond the road from Kinik to Fethiye and continue 5 km. It is known to have been one of the most important religious centres of the Lycian region. Due to the rising water level, archeological digs have been suspended. The most important edifice is the Hellenistic style theatre which has been preserved until today.
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Perge
This city was built 18 km east of Antalya between the Düden and Aksu streams. Is reached along the Antalya-Alanya highway, turning north at Aksu. As it was not on the coast, it was not subjected to raids by pirates and therefore continued its progress without interruption. A great many statues and other valuable items have been unearthed in recent digs, of which many are in the Antalya Museum. Some of the things worth seeing in Perge are the gates, agora, nymphaeum, the pillared streets, sarcophagi, basilica and acropolis.
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Sillyon
About 35 km, along the Antalya-Alanya highway, you turn north and continue 8 km until Silyon is reached. It was built on an elipseshaped table like plateau rising above the flat plain. Due to its location the surrounding areas can easily be seen and in fact the view stretches as far as the Mediterranean. Some of its interesting sights are the stadium, gymnasium, turrets, Seljuk mosque and the sports arena. |
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Aspendos
After passing Serik on the Antalya-Alanya highway, you turn north and continue for 4 km. Aspendos dates back to the 5th century B.C. The theatre, which was built in the 2nd century A.D., was periodically repaired by the Seljuks who used it as a caravanserai. It is one of the best preserved theatres to be found today. Today it is used for concerts, festivals and grease wrestling events. In addition to the theatre the agora, basilica, nymphaeum and 15 km of aqueducts are to be seen. The pressured aqueduct system is a feat of engineering from the Roman period.
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Selge
Selge is located in the north of Manavgat, on the Antalya-Alanya highway, where the Selge signpost will be seen, after which it is further 55 km. The road is good until Köprülü Canyon, but for the last 12 km after the ancient bridge, a jeep type vehicle is recommended. It is particularly beautiful in the area of the Köprülü Canyon. |
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Side
Side is to be reached by turning right 3 km before Manavgat on the Antalya- Alanya highway. The exact date of its founding is not known. In the language of Anatolia, "Side" means Pomegranate. From inscriptions it appears that Side dates back to the Hittites. One of its most important buildings is its 15000 spectator theatre. The difference between this Roman theatre and other antique theatres in the region is that it is not built against a hillside. The 2 storey theatre, built on a series of arches, is 20 m high. The orchestra and stage are in a state of ruin. Rainwater channels run under the theatre. Side has colonnaded streets, a triumphal arch, harbour, baths, fountains, cisterns, aquaducts, temples and an agora. |
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Seleukeia
It is situated 23 km north east of Side close to Sihlar Köyü. Digs began here in 1972 and it is a particularlly beautiful site because of the pine forests which surround it. |
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Alanya
Is 135 km east of Antalya. Known in antiquity as Coracesion, it was sometimes considered to be in Cilicia and sometimes in Pamphilia. Until the Seljuks the city was not a flourishing one. The places worth seeing and which largely belong to the Seljuk era, are the fortress, shipyards, Red Tower, museum, Damlatas Cave, sea caves, bedestan or traders' market and lighthouse. |
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| INNS and CARAVANSERAIS |
Evdir Han
It is situated 18km north-west of Antalya. It was built in 1219 by order of the Seljuk Sultan Izzettin Keykavus. There is a large courtyard surrounded by rooms and an ornamental gate to the west.
Kirkgöz Han...
Situated 31 km north-west of Antalya. It was built in 1247 by the Seljuk Sultan Giyasettin Keyhusrev II and still survived almost intact. The entry gate to the south is without much ornamentation. Around the central courtyard is a large number of rooms there was a well in the centre. On the north side is also a very large hall. |
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Alara Han
30 km before reaching Alanya on the Antalya-Alanya highway is the turn-off to Alara Han. It is a very solid construction entered by a gate with inscriptions and lion's heads. It has somewhat the apperance of a fortress as it looks as thought it was meant to ward off aggressors.
Above Alarahan is a fortress (Alara Tower).
Click here for more information |
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Sarapsa Han (Serapsu Han)
It was constructed on a large area and the stone ceiling is still in a good state. It is closed on the south side. It has also the appearance of a fortress and its ormamental entry gate is on the north side. A small mosque is close to the Inn. |
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Alara Tower
Built on a rock rising, straight up from the bed of the Alara stream it is also not known when it was built and was repaired by the Seljuks when they captured this tower in 1231. It was also used for a long period in the Ottoman era. It is reached by a staircase inside a tunnel cut in the rock. |
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Karain Cave
At a distance of 31 km north-west of Antalya lies the Karain Cave. At the edge of Katran Mountain range, on the border of Yagci village, the limestone formations opened up to reveal a natural cave which had served as habitations for the paleolithic, neolithic and Chalcolithic people and during the classic era, as a temple to the mountain goddess. It is the largest cave in Turkey to have been inhabited. Some of the findings are on display in the little Karain Museum and others in the pre-history section of Antalya Museum. |
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Beldibi Cave
There were found also some pre-historic remains in the cave on the sea shore 25 km south-west of Antalya. There is a rock-painting there. |
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Karatas - Semahöyük Cave
Situated in Alanya, this cave is full of stalactites and stalacmites. Due to the humidiy being 90% in the interior, the caves are used for the treatment of respiratory ailments. |
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Damlatas Cave
The cave, with its multicoloured stalacmites and stalactites, has an unchanging temperature around 22-23 degrees C and 98% humidity. It has been cited as a place good for the treatment of patients suffering from asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Phosphorus Cave, Pirates Cave and Lovers Cave
These three caves can be reached by little boats departing from Alanya harbour. The shining colours of the rocks of the Phosporus Cave, the Pirates or Girls Cave, where Pirates imprisoned kidnapped girls, and the Lovers Cave where Cleopatra is supposed to have enjoyed refreshing baths. |
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Altinbesik Düdensuyu Cave
Which is close to Ürünlü village in the district of Ibradi and the Manavgat stream catchment area are very difficult to reach. It has been proven that Beysehir Lake is connected underground to the Altinbesik Düdensuyu Cave (100km as the crow files) which is of scientific significance. The cave contains two lakes and many stalactites, so a boat is necessary to enter, the cave is not open to the public.
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| NATIONAL PARKS |
Olympos National Park
To the west of Antalya rise the snowcapped peaks of the Olympos (Tahtali) range, where many antique cities, caves bearing the mark of. |
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Termessos National Park
It is located 30 km along the Antalya Korkuteli highway. This was the site of the ancient city of Termessos. Animal species in danger of being decimated can readily find a breeding ground here. The park, which is covered by wild flora, is of unusual beauty. |
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Köprülü Canyon National Park
It is located within the boundaries of Manavgat. The canyon itself is a 14 km long and 100m wide valley between Balasag village and Beskonak. The park is thickly covered in cedar and pine trees. The rock formations on the slopes of the valleys resemble the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia. The ancient stone bridges stradding the Köprü stream is still in use today. Today it is also the place for enjoying white water rafting in the river of the canyon.
Düzlerçami and the Güver Abyss...
Düzlerçami is 8km north of Antalya on the Korkuteli highway and is especially popular in summer with picnickers. The Güver Abyss in a result of three mountain chains separating from one another causing an abyss 115 m deep and which still continues to deepen because of erosion. It is believed to be
one million years old.
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WATERFALLS
All the streams of the region find their way to the Mediterranean and they pour down the slopes of the Tauros, sometimes aboveground, sometimes underground and reaching their destination, result in lovely waterfalls, of which there are more than twenty. The loveliest of these are the upper and lower Düden Falls, 15 km north of Antalya, the Kursunlu Falls 18 km along the Antalya-Alanya highway and those of Manavgat 3 km north of the town.
SKI CENTRE
Saklıkent
Antalya is known for its mild winters and bathing is possible most of the year. However at a distance of only 45 km from Antalya and at a height of 1,800 m on the summer pastures is Saklikent, where winter sports are possible during from December to March. There are two teleskis and blue and red runs as well as soft- piste skiing.
DAMS
Due to the abundance of water in the Antalya region, dams have been built for the power and irrigation and the increasing population gave great impetus was given to this in recent year. The most importants of these are the Oymapinar Dam, the Korkuteli Dam and the Karacaören II Dam. The biggest of these is the Oymapinar, built on the Manavgat River.
Oymapınar Dam
Thousands of years ago the Romans were the first to make use of the water of the Manavgat River and the site of today's dam is where they carried water, by means of aqueducts, to Side. Today one can see the Oymapinar Dam and the remains of the aqueducts at the same time.
MUSEUMS
The founding and development of the Antalya Museum is unusual. On 28 March 1919 the Italians occupied Antalya. One or two archeologists who come to Antalya with the occuping forces started collecting the antiquities found in the course of their exploration of the region and transporting them to the Italian Consulate. At that time a highschool teacher interested in history and archeology Süleyman Fikri Bey, opposed this action by the Italians who claimed they were collecting the items in the name of civilization. The small abandoned Mosque next to the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque was rearranged and the foundation of the Antalya Museum was thus late. When the Italian evacuated Antalya the works they had collected were transported to this little museum. After 1937 the fluted minaret mosque was used as a museum. However, more and more ancient remains were being unearthed and exhibited. Todays Antalya Museum on Konyaalti Street on the outskirts of the city and which reflects contemporary museum concepts, is one of Turkeys largest museums, with 13 exhibition halls and an open air gallery. It covers an area of 7000 sqm and has 5000 works on exhibited. In addition a further 25-30.000 works which can not be displayed are in storage. The museum comprises the following sections: The childrens section, natural history, pre- history, small objects, gallery of the gods, underwater remains, gallery of the emperors, burial culture, icons, mosaics, coins, etnografic sections and open air gallery.
Suna-İnan Kiraç Mediterranean Research Institute...
This Institute bought two ancient buidings of which, one was a old city house and the other was the Hagios Georgios church and reconstructed them according to the original. According to the script at the main entrance it is known that this church was rebuilt in1863 with the help of Christians of Antalya. After 1920 the church lost his people. At 1993 the restauration project was done by the architect Dr. M. Sinan Genim . The lower floor of the old house is in use of a library with a lot of literature about Antalya itself. On the other hand, this Institute is a place were old cultures are researched. One of the search results is the Çanakkale seramics research which is now in exhibited in this ancient church. Also gravurs, fotographs and maps of old Antalya can be seen here. Sometimes the doors open also to classical concerts. The Institute is also preparing a bulletin on the researches of local and foreign scientists under the name Adalya. You have the opportunity to visit the Institute every day except Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:00. |
