What is it? Why is it worth seeing?
The ancient city of Olympos is close to Kemer. It is located in the valley of the Ulupınar River and at the foot of Tahtalı Mountain. This mountain was also called Olympos in the past.
It is believed that pirates founded the city in the third century BC. It developed rapidly, and it became an important port city of Lycia already in the second century BC. They started to mint their coins, and you can find writing and architecture from that time there. When the Romans arrived here in 42 BC, a new stage of development begins: new buildings, water pipes, baths, roads appear. Most of the surviving buildings date back to the Roman period.
In 129, the city was renamed in honor of the arrival of Emperor Hadrian. It was called Adrianopolis. The city continues to thrive on trade, but the pirates invaded it again. They have built a fortress wall, the remains of which can be seen today. There are also traces of the Byzantine presence - the ruins of the Basilica and the priest's house.
After the seizure of the territory by the Ottoman Empire, the city falls into desolation. Historians still cannot say why people left Olympos, despite such a convenient strategic position.
Now archaeological excavations are underway in the city, but the open part is also amazing. For example, the doorway of the entrance to the temple is 4 meters high. Just imagine what the building itself was like! You can also see the remains of an amphitheater, fortifications, Lycian tombs, and sarcophagi. Archaeologists have restored a section of the water supply system; and the remains of stone embankments and bridges can be traced on the banks of the river.
Who will like it?
If you are interested in history and you enjoy antiquity, you might like to take a walk in a beautiful park. The city is a part of the Olympos National Reserve called Beydağları. Pines, laurels, and fig trees grow around. Here you can meet wild animals, for example, the Kareta-Kareta tortoise from the Red Book.
How to get there?
You can get there by land from the hotel to Olympos. It is about 20 km away and you can easily get there by car. On the other hand, you can rent a yacht and go on a sea voyage!