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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
Kaş-Demre. It is an ancient submerged city 500 m far from the Üçağız
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.
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