If you’re in Antalya, or nearby, I highly recommend making the effort to visit the incredible Termessos Ruins, which are only 45 minutes drive from the city.
The area around Antalya is blessed with tens, if not hundreds, of ancient ruins, enough for even the most eager culture vulture. We visited 5 during our short trip and they were all amazing but Termessos really stood out from the crowd for it’s beautiful views, relative untouchedness, and the lack of tourists compared to the other ones.
The visit begins with a 15 minute walk up the hill from the car park which leads you, aptly, to the old city gate.
Once you’ve marvelled at a few inscriptions still completely visible after almost 2000 years, you’ll be amazed by the fields and fields filled with ancient rubble that just seems to go on forever.
But fear not, there are still plenty of structures in place that you will get to see.
The History
Termessos is an ancient city constructed high in the hills outside of Antalya at least 2350 years ago. Historians are not sure exactly when it was founded but it was noted by Alexander the great in 333BC when he failed to conquer the city, calling it an Eagle’s Nest.
One of the most interesting features of this huge, mountaintop city was that it had an underwater sewage system. To think that almost 2000 years ago the city was so developed that it had it had a complex, constructed sewage system. Many towns in the world today don’t even have that!
There are many areas of Termessos to check out; the main square, the cemeteries, various temples, etc, but the piece de la resistance is….
…. the Theatre …
As you reach the crest of the hill the view becomes more and more impressive until finally the theatre itself appears in the bottom of your view and you have one of the most impressive views that I’ve ever seen.
With the history, the architecture, and the incredible views, Termessos is a hidden gem, well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
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