Patara Ancient City: Exploring the Unique Beauty of Lycia's Oldest City

İrem Uğur
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Patara, now known as Kalkan in Antalya, was an ancient city on the west coast of Lycia in ancient times. It was once one of the leading cities of the Lycian League, along with Xanthos and Letoon. According to mythology, it is the birthplace of Apollo and it is said that St. Nicholas was born here. Excavations show that the ancient city of Patara is more than 2000 years old and has many monuments that shed light on ancient history. Some of the most interesting finds in the city are the Bouleuterion, Theater and Ancient Lighthouse.

In this content, you can find detailed information about Patara; You can find answers to your questions such as 'Where is Patara?', 'How to get to Patara?

History of Patara Ancient City

Patara is a city that assumed the capital of the Lycian Union. In the Hittite texts of the 13th century BC, this place is referred to as 'Patar'. Patara Ancient City is known for its great historical and mythological importance. The fact that it is the only place in the Xanthos Valley that can open to the sea has distinguished it from others. It has also enabled it to survive for centuries.

Today, in line with the data obtained from excavations, it is stated that life in Patara started in 5500 BC. Patara, which was among the cities besieged by Alexander, gained great importance during the Roman period. It continued its development during the Byzantine period and was considered important by Christians.

Patara was the harbor of the Lycian League and the site of league conferences. During the Roman period, Patara was still important as it was a port connecting Rome to the eastern provinces and was also the residence of the Roman provincial governor. The granaries built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian are still standing. Patara is believed to be one of Apollo's divination centers. The Temple of Apollo in Patara is as famous as the one in Delphi, and it is believed that the omens spent winters in Patara and summers in Delos.

St. Nicholas was born into a wealthy family from Patara and later went to Myra where he became Bishop. Today he is known as Santa Claus. During his lifetime, the harbor filled with silt and the city gradually lost its importance. St. Nicholas spent most of his life in the nearby town of Myra (Demre).

Apollon ve Artemis

According to Greek mythology, Patara was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Apollo and Artemis were the twin children of Zeus and his forbidden lover Leto. According to the legend, Leto managed to escape from Hera and came to Patara, but no one helped her to relieve her pain while giving birth because they feared Hera's wrath. She wraps palm trees in her arms and manages to relieve her pain. After suffering for nine days, she gives birth first to her daughter Artemis and then Apollo.

It is believed that there was a Temple of Apollo in Patara as a divination center. A large bust of Apollo was discovered on the hill next to the city, indicating the existence of a Temple of Apollo. However, its exact location has not yet been determined.

Must-See Structures in Patara

Some of the important structures you will see in the ancient city of Patara are the Roman Triumphal Arch, temples, necropolis area, lighthouse, bouleuterion (assembly building), city gate, theater building, churches, baths (Bath of Nero, Bath of Vespasian), granarium (granary) and warehouses.

In addition to being an interesting ancient city, Patara is famous for its magnificent Patara Beach and the spawning grounds of Caretta Caretta turtles. Many people flock to Patara Beach during the summer season. Because it is one of the rare places where these turtles lay their eggs, it is protected by the World Wildlife Fund.

The ruins of the city of Patara begin even before reaching Gelemiş Village. Lycian sarcophagi and Roman sarcophagi can be seen in the necropolis of the city. Built in the late 1st century AD, there is a magnificent Triumphal Arch that can be seen from the roadside 2 km after Gelemiş Village. The theater on the slope of the hill was built during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius.

Important information about a few buildings that you should definitely see is as follows:

Bouleuterion

This is the assembly building where the elected representatives of the Lycian League gathered. It is larger than an average bouleuterion, it can seat 1000 representatives. It has a seating arrangement similar to a theater. It has recently been restored and opened to visitors.

Amphitheater

It is one of the largest amphitheaters in Anatolia with a capacity of more than 6000. The entrance of the amphitheater is different from typical Roman Theaters. Since it does not have a vaulted entrance, it is an example of the transition from Hellenistic tradition to Roman architecture.

Lighthouse

The remains of the world's oldest lighthouse have been found under piles of sand on Patara Beach. The lighthouse was the height of a five-story apartment building. A bronze inscription shows that the lighthouse was built by the Roman Emperor Nero between 64-65 AD.

Where is Patara Ancient City? How to get there?

Patara Archaeological Site is located approximately 1.5 km south of Gelemiş Village of Kalkan in Antalya. It is possible to reach Patara by private car, bus, minibus or taxi.+

Minibus:You can take Patara minibuses departing from Kas, Kalkan and Fethiye.

Bus: You can take the Fethiye - Kaş bus and get off at Ovaköy. From here you can walk about 3.5 kilometers or take a taxi to reach the area.

Private Car: On the way from Fethiye to Kalkan, you can take the Gelemiş Road without passing Kalkan, and a 5 km road leads to the ancient city of Patara.

Adress: Gelemiş Mahallesi Örenyeri Sokak No:1 Kaş / Antalya

Patara Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours

Opening/Closing Hours

  • Opening Time: 08:00

  • Closing Time: 17:00

  • Box Office Closing Time: 16:30

Entrance Information

  • Entrance Fee: 90 TL

  • MuseumCard: Valid

Contact

Number: 0242 843 50 18