Ancient Cities

Alanya, having hosted countless civilizations throughout history, is very rich in ancient remains.

Both on the west and east of Alanya are there plenty of ancient sites’ remains. These are sites of Pamphylia’s and Cilicia’s some of which are on the coast while some other are on steep slopes. The ruins reflect the charasterictics of the region. The ash pans carved in stones which are on display at Alanya Archeology Museum, also reflect the burial traditions of Cilicia region. It is free to visit some ancient sites around which archeological excavations are still being carried out and areas protected owing to their being ruins. Those who would like to sight-see the remains around had better wear clothes which are suitable for long walkings around rocky terrains and among tall bushes and keep water with themselves when it is summer.

Colybrassus

It is a historical site located on Toros Mountains, inherited from Romans, the northwest of Alanya, 30 kilometers far. The historical backround of this site has not been clearly found out yet, though, there are a lot of epigraphs spread around which includes important informations about past.

Hamaxia

It is on the northwest of Alanya, 12 kilometers far. Strabon, geographer of his time, spoke of the abundance of cedar trees, which were used for making ships, in the region known as Pamphylia. It has a great view of Mediterranean.

Syedra

It is on the east of Alanya, 20 kilometers far. The site’s history is thought to be dating back to 7th century BC. The entrance to the site which sustained its existence until the 13th century AD is a still-standing monumental gate. The site is surrounded by ramparts.

Leartes

Leartes is located on the feet of a slope that is next to the entrance of a plateau in Toros Mountains, east of Alanya, 25 kilometers far. It is in the region which was known as Mountainous Cilicia in the ancient times. Epigraphs whose 3 sections were written in phoenician language in 7th century BC is on display at Alanya Museum.

Iotape

It is on the east of Alanya, 33 kilometers far. The promontry leans over the sea is the acropolis of the site. Where the acropolis is connected to mainland is Liman Main Road. The tiny bay in which there are ancient port remains has a beach that you can settle for swimming.

Selinus

It is an ancient site located on the hillside of a little peninsula, east of Alanya, 45 kilometers far. Its history dates back to 6th century BC. Trajanus, the emperor of Rome, who died in the 9th of August 117, passed away here and his ashes were sent to Rome.

Nephelis

This site is on a high peak, overlooking the sea and it is located on the east of Alanya, 55 kilometers far. There are castle walls which date back to medieval age and the acropolis of an ancient city on the highest point of the peak. Odean is a typical mountainous Cilicia site with its waterworks, lime quarry-pit and necropolis.

Adanda-Lamus

It is located on two peaks which make up the top of a high and steep mountain, east of Alanya, 55 kilometers far. One of temples there was built in the name of Vespasianus, who was an Emperor of Rome, and the other one was built on behalf of Titus. There are huge tombs on the eastern peak and rooms that are carved in rocks.

Antiocheia Ad Cragum

It is on the east of Alanya, 60 kilometers far, has a coast on the Mediterranean Sea and located on the region which was known as mountainous Cilicia in the ancient times. Its name is derived from IV. Antiochus, the king of Kommagene, who lived in the first century after Jesus. The remains of this site are separated onto three heights.