Antalya's Ancient Cities: A Journey Through History and Culture

İrem Uğur
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Antalya, derived from the name Attalos, was established during the Pergamon Kingdom and is considered to be one of the most historically significant cities in Turkey and the world. Its ancient settlements, highly valued by archaeologists, attract numerous tourists to the area. Antalya, also referred to as Pamphylia for its fertility and natural beauty, boasts numerous ancient cities that are worth visiting. We have compiled a list of these fascinating structures that you should see during your visit to Antalya.

1. Olympos Ancient City

The Ancient City of Olympos, located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, was a region that today covers the borders of Muğla and Antalya, and according to historians, the Lycian people lived in the prehistoric Late Bronze Age and were among the most important in the ancient world. Olympos is one of the most important and beautiful spots of Lycia. You will love Olympos, a beautiful combination of lush green trees, sea and of course history.

Address: Kuzdere, 07980 Kemer/Antalya

2. Aspendos Ancient City

The Ancient City of Aspendos, whose foundation is estimated to date back to the 12th century BC, is one of the most important cities of Pamphylia. The ancient city of Aspendos, which witnessed many migrations, is one of the richest and deep-rooted settlements of the region. When it comes to Aspendos, the theater immediately comes to mind. You should also see this structure, which has remained intact despite the passage of centuries.

Address: Sarıabalı, Aspendos Road, 07500 Serik/Antalya

3. Myra Ancient City

Let's continue with another Lycian Ancient City. Myra, the ancient city located in the Demre district of Antalya, is one of the six major cities of Lycia. Myra Ancient City, which attracts the attention of tourists with its appearance, is one of the places worth seeing.

Address: Alakent, Myra Ruins, 07570 Demre/Antalya

4. Side Ancient City

Founded near the Manavgat River, the city was one of the most important port cities during the Pamphylia period. We recommend everyone who is on their way to Antalya to visit the ancient city of Side, whose foundation dates back to the 7th century BC.

Address: Selimiye Mahallesi, Çağla Sk., 07330 Manavgat/Antalya

5. Phaselis Ancient City

Phaselis is simply a magnificent place. Phaselis, which is actually not known as a tourist attraction, is frequently preferred by locals for swimming. With the clarity of the sea, the magic of the ancient buildings, the calming atmosphere and more, Phaselis Ancient City is one of the places you won't regret visiting.

Address: Çamyuva, 07980 Kemer/Antalya

6. Patara Ancient City

Patara Ancient City is one of the most important cities of the Lycian Region, located in the southwest of Anatolia, between the Pamphylia and Caria regions. Thanks to its location, we recommend that you do not forget to add this ancient city to your list of places to visit, which has managed to become the main port of Lycia by showing great developments over the centuries.

Adress: Kalkan, 07960 Kaş/Antalya

7. Termessos Ancient City

Termessos Ancient City, located on the top of Güllük Mountain in the west of Antalya, was one of the most protected ancient cities of Anatolia due to its location. Since excavations have not started yet, the historical structure that hides many secrets is a must-see.

Address: Bayatbademleri, 07800 Döşemealtı/Antalya

8. Xanthos Ancient City

Xanthos, the administrative center of the Lycian Civilization, is one of the historically important ancient cities. The well-known story of the ancient city of Xanthos, which is also included in the Unesco World Heritage List, is that it is the place where the heroic people who fought with the enemies committed suicide in order not to surrender to the enemy and hosted their painful stories.

Adress: Address: Kinik, Asar Street, 07970 Kas/Antalya

9. Antiochia ad Cragum Ancient City

Antiochia ad Cragum Ancient City, which has become one of the frequent destinations of local and foreign people on daily tours, is included in the Mountainous Cilicia Region among the ancient regions. The structure, which attracts attention with being a seaside city, should be one of the things you should see when you come to Antalya.

Adress: Güneyköy Nohut Yeri, Gazipaşa/Antalya

10. Perge Ancient City

Perge Ancient City, which is on the UNESCO Temporary Heritage List, is famous for its architecture and eye-catching sculptures. Perge, the Parha city of the Hittite period, was famous for its beauty during the Roman period, and you should stop by Antalya to witness this beauty.

Address: Barbaros, Perge Road, 07112 Aksu/Antalya

11. Letoon Ancient City

Letoon Ancient City, which was the religious center of Lycia in Antiquity, has managed to become the largest administrative center of Lycia, even though it is smaller than other ancient cities. The ancient city, which is 6 km away from the ancient city of Xanthos, and its theater belonging to the Hellenistic period, attracts a lot of touristic attention today.

Adress: Kumluova, 48370 Seydikemer/Muğla

12. Selge Ancient City

Selge, an ancient city built on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains, is literally a mountain city and attracts a lot of attention with this feature. Selge, located in Pisidia, a region such as Lycia and Pamphylia, was founded by the Lacedaemonians.

Adress: Altınkaya, 07550 Manavgat/Antalya

13. Dolichiste (Kekova) Ancient City

The city, which is not accessible by land, has become a sunken city as a result of cave-ins as a result of a severe earthquake a long time ago. Although diving is forbidden because it has been declared as a Special Environmental Protection Area, you can watch the ruins of the island on boat tours.

Address: Demre Village, Kaş Road, Demre (Kale), Antalya

14. Antiphellos Ancient City

Antiphellos Ancient City, which has a theater that stands out with its beautiful view, is one of the ones with a strong historical structure and a magnificent location. Make sure to spend time in Antiphellos Ancient City, which is very close to the center of Kaş, you will not regret it.

Adress: Andifli, 07580 Kaş/Antalya

15. Syedra Ancient City

The ancient city, formerly known as Syedron, is both a mountain and a coastal city. The ancient city of Syedra draws attention with its monumental gate, colonnaded street, bath, church, basilica, theater, monumental tomb, cistern and other ruins.