ANCIENT SITES

There are many ancient city ruins along the eastern and western axis of Alanya. Some of these cities were established along the coast, while others were built on steep slopes. They belong to the regions of Pamphylia and Cilicia, and their remains reflect the characteristic features of these ancient regions.

The stone-carved ash urns displayed at the Alanya Archaeological Museum are important examples reflecting the burial culture of the Cilicia region. Entrance to the ancient cities, which are protected as archaeological sites and where excavations continue in some areas, is free of charge.

Visitors who wish to explore the surrounding ruins are advised to dress appropriately, considering that they may need to walk for long periods on rocky terrain and among wild vegetation. It is also recommended to carry water, especially during the summer months.

Colybrassus
Located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Alanya in the Taurus Mountains, Colybrassus is a city dating back to the Roman period. Although the many inscriptions scattered around the area contain important information, the history of the city has not yet been fully revealed.

Hamaxia
Hamaxia is located 12 kilometers northwest of Alanya. The ancient geographer Strabo mentioned the abundance of cedar trees used for shipbuilding in this city, which was part of the Pamphylia region in antiquity. It offers a magnificent view of the Mediterranean.

Syedra
Syedra is located 20 kilometers east of Alanya. The history of the city is believed to date back to the 7th century BC. The city, which continued to exist until the 13th century, is entered through its still-standing monumental gate. The city is surrounded by walls.

Leartes
Leartes is located 25 kilometers east of Alanya, at the foot of a slope rising at the entrance of a valley in the Taurus Mountains. It lies in the region known in antiquity as Rough Cilicia. An inscription dating back to the 7th century BC, with three sides written in the Phoenician language, is displayed at the Alanya Museum.

Iotape
Iotape is located 33 kilometers east of Alanya. The high promontory extending towards the sea forms the city’s acropolis. Harbour Street is located in the valley connecting the acropolis to the mainland. The small bay with ancient harbour remains has an ideal sandy beach for swimming.

Selinus
Selinus is an ancient city located 45 kilometers east of Alanya, on the slope of a small peninsula. Its history dates back to the 6th century BC. Roman Emperor Trajan died here on August 9, 117, and his ashes were sent to Rome.

Nephelis
Nephelis is located 55 kilometers east of Alanya, on a high hill extending towards the sea. At the highest point of the hill are the acropolis of the ancient city and medieval castle walls. With its odeon, water system, limestone quarry and necropolis area, it is a typical city of Rough Cilicia.

Adanda-Lamus
Adanda-Lamus is located 55 kilometers east of Alanya, on two hills forming the summit of a high and steep mountain. One of the city’s two temples was dedicated to Roman Emperor Vespasian, and the other to Titus. On the eastern hill, there are rock-carved rooms and tombs consisting of large sarcophagi.

Antiochia ad Cragum
Antiochia ad Cragum is located 60 kilometers east of Alanya. It lies on the Mediterranean coast in the region known in antiquity as Rough Cilicia. The city takes its name from Antiochus IV, King of Commagene, who lived in the 1st century AD. The ruins of the city are spread over three elevations.