A fascinating ancient city where history and nature are intertwined awaits you in Mersin, the pearl of the Mediterranean: Korikos Ancient City. This unique settlement fascinates its visitors not only with its impressive ruins, but also with its fairy-tale legends and the iconic Kızkalesi on its shores. Korikos, which stands out with its deep-rooted history from the Hellenistic period to Byzantium, ranks among the ancient places to visit in Mersin. If you want to go on an exploration intertwined with history and experience unforgettable moments by the sea, Korikos Ancient City is an ideal destination for you.
Discover Korikos Ancient City: A Hidden Coastal Treasure in Turkey
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Historical Depths of Korikos
Korikos is one of the important harbour cities mentioned in ancient sources. Its name means 'high place' in the Cilician language. The city gained importance with the Hellenistic period in the 4th century BC and reached its peak during the Roman and Byzantine periods. In this region, where trade was lively due to being a harbour city, agricultural and seafood products such as olive oil, wine and fish products were exported.
Korikos, which was a bishopric centre during the Byzantine period, came under the influence of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia from the 12th century. It was then captured by the Lusignans during the Crusades and later by the Mamluks. These historical transitions also explain the richness of the architectural structure in the city.
Mythology and Legends: The Sad Story of Kızkalesi
One of the first structures that comes to mind when it comes to Korikos is undoubtedly Kızkalesi, located in the middle of the sea. This structure is also an extension of the ancient city. The most well-known legend about Kızkalesi is that the king built the castle to protect his daughter from a poisonous snake as a result of a prophecy, but the snake entered the castle in a fruit basket and the girl could not escape her fate. This legend not only adds a mystical atmosphere to the region but also stands out as an important cultural motif that attracts visitors.
Ancient Buildings and Ruins to Visit
The most remarkable ruins of Korikos include city walls, necropolis areas, mosaic house ruins, aqueducts and monumental tombs. Especially the castle on the land, located on the shore opposite Kızkalesi, bears traces of the Roman and Byzantine periods. The towers and fortifications here are very well preserved. In addition, stone-paved roads, cisterns and sarcophagi from the Ancient Roman period also attract the attention of visitors.
The tombs carved into the rock in the south of the city offer an important archaeological richness both with their technical details and the symbols on them. It is possible to see Greek inscriptions and reliefs on some sarcophagi.
The Cultural Importance of Korikos
Korikos has been prominent not only for trade and military purposes, but also for religious and social activities. It is known that gladiator fights, theatre performances and religious ceremonies were held especially during the Roman period. There are also remains of churches in the city, indicating that a dense Christian population lived in the Byzantine period.
Transport Information: How to get to Korikos?
Korikos Ancient City is very easy to reach. You can reach the region, which is approximately 60 kilometres from Mersin city centre, by private car via the D400 highway. There are also regular minibus services from the Erdemli district and the Mersin centre to Kızkalesi. For those who want to reach by air, the nearest airport is Adana Şakirpaşa Airport. It is possible to reach the region with a journey of approximately 1.5 hours by renting a car from here.
Visit Time and Entrance Information
Since the ancient city of Korikos is in an open-air format, it can be visited throughout the year. However, spring and autumn months are the most ideal periods as the temperature is milder and the density of visitors is low. Entrance to the ancient city area is free of charge. However, in some parts, especially the boat passage to Kızkalesi is charged and there may be a density in the summer months.
Other Places to Visit in the Surroundings
There are a few other important points that visitors to Korikos should definitely see in the immediate vicinity. Some of them are
Adamkayalar: This archaeological site, famous for its human figures carved into the rocks in the Şeytan Creek valley of Erdemli district, belongs to the Roman period. Although the journey is a bit challenging, it is worth seeing.
Cennet-Cehennem Obrukukları: Located on the Silifke road, these natural wonder depressions are fascinating with both geological and mythological aspects. Especially the stone stairs descending to the church in the Cennet depression attract attention.
Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum: This small museum, which is very close to Paradise-Hell, attracts attention with its three beautiful mosaics from the Roman period.
Elaiussa Sebaste Ancient City: This ancient city, which is very close to Kızkalesi, offers an important archaeological site with the ruins of the theatre, agora and baths.
Opportunity to Go to the Sea
The beach right in front of the ancient city of Korikos offers the opportunity to swim in the sea intertwined with ancient ruins. This coastline, where there are both public beaches and private businesses, is very popular in the summer months. Swimming against the ancient walls is a unique opportunity for those who want to experience the perfect harmony of history and nature.