Myra (Demre)
(135 km to Antalya) A couple of kilometers north of Demre,
the ruins include a score of tombs arranged on the cliff
in a jumble overlooking the sea. This ancient Lycian city
Myra, many splendidly carved rock tombs overlooks the magnificent
Greco-Roman theater - on the subject of unique Necropolis
it was a Lycian custom to bury their dead high up because
they believed in this way they were more easily transported
to heaven. In Demre there is also a Church (3 km away from
Myra) where St. Nicholas was the bishop of this Mediterranean
city during the fourth century, and died here in 342. Every
year in December the Santa Claus Commemoration Ceremony
attracts many tourists who spend their Christmas holidays
on the sunny coast of ancient Lycia.
Simena (Kale)
Receiving its beauty from its history, sea and sun, Simena
is accessible from Ucagiz. The submerged city and the ancient
remains at the opposite island of Kekova island, make it
a worthwhile trip. There are traces of Roman and other civilizations
in Simena, the history of which dates back to Lycian civilization.
There is a small theatre carved into the rock, and Roman
city walls.
Aspendos
The ancient city, 48km east of Antalya, is most famous
for its theatre, probably the best preserved in Asia Minor.
It is still in use today, and stages the annual Aspendos
Opera and Ballet Festival every summer. It was the scene
of a huge bloody battle between the Persians and the Greeks
in 469 BC, and then ruled by the Spartans 120 years later.
The city became part of the Seleucid kingdom after the death
of Alexander the Great, and then became part of the Roman
province of Asia in 133 BC.
The famous theatre was built in the 2nd century AD, using
a Roman design, and it is still intact.
The ancient theater in Aspendos makes an impressive setting
for some of the festival's plays and concerts.
In addition to the theatre, there is an acropolis on a
hilltop, of which the nymphaeum and basilica are still fairly
intact.
Kekova
It is between Kas-Demre. It is an ancient submerged city
500 m far from the Üçagiz Village in Mediterranean.
Patara
Patara is famous on two accounts: as the birth-place of
St. Nicholas who has entered into Christian tradition as
Father Christmas and for having long been the seat of a
famous Oracle to Apollo. It was Herodotus who wrote about
the importance of the oracle, second only to that of Delphi:
it only functioned, so to speak, during the six winter months,
when the God sojourned there; Apollo spent the remaining
six summer months at the Delphic Oracle. Founded according
to legend, by Patarus, son of Apollo and the nymph Lycia
during the 5th century city was one of the important commercial
center and a principal harbor in ancient Lycia. Patara is
reached by following a winding mountain road before descending
to the site. Here, according to mythology, Apollo was born.
More concrete history reveals that this town was the birthplace
of St. Nicholas. The ruins are of course, numerous and interesting.
But Patara is also a natural place for beach lovers. Its
22 - km of pure white sand stretches as far as the eye can
see, making it a natural choice for all types of beach sports.
The remoteness of this undiscovered corner makes it feel
like your own private gateway.
Ksanthos
Founded on the Xanthos river basin, Xanthos is the biggest
and the most ancient city of Lycia. Having being remained
independent till the invasions of the Persians in 4292 B.C,
Xanthos tried hard to defend against the invasions; however,
upon realizing the remote victory the people of Xanthos
first murdered their women then committed suicide as a whole.
Afterwards 80 family immigrating to the region refunded
the city but approximately 100 years later the city was
totally destroyed by a great fire. Reestablished city thenceforth
strengthened its connection with west and became an important
center. Still the city can not be saved from misfortune.
Upon resisting to the taxes of the Roman Brutus, the city
was ruined and the people were dragged into war. And Xanthos
became the city of catastrophe.
The city was founded around center of Lycia and outside
it were the remnants of Roman city center. Roman theater
and the findings at the west side of the theater still attracts
the visitors. Harpy memorial on the rocks is one of the
most important traces. Only the duplication of the work
of art, the original of which is on exhibit in British Museum
in England, can be seen in the region.
Kas
Continuing west out of Kekova, you come to Kas, a lovely
spot surrounded on three sides by mountains. The friendly
local fishermen are happy to run a water taxi service to
take you to a favorite bay, cove or beach along the coast.
The swimming and diving are excellent in the clear cool
water around Kas.
Of ancient Antiphellos, as Kas was once known, only the
Lycian rock cut tombs and sarcophagi are left. But the charm
of the town remains, and it is a pleasure to wander through
the streets, stopping to examine souvenir shops that offer
Turkish handicrafts, leather goods, copper and silver items,
cotton clothing and the inevitable handmade carpet.
After shopping stroll along the flower-lined Akdeniz Promenade
or relax under the shade of a palm tree. Kas's bars and
restaurants offer plenty of night life. The mountains that
surround the town provide their share of activities and
sights. You can walk through forested hills to visit remote
villages and ancient ruins. The energetic may want to attempt
the highest peak in the area, Mt. Kizlar Sivrisi(3,086 meters),
or the second highest, Mt. Akdag(3,030 meters). Along the
scenic Kalkan road, Kapitas has a beautiful beach, at one
end of which is the Turquoise Grotto. |
