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Around Kalkan, Lycian
Historical Sites and Ancient Cities |
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PATARA
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On your way back to Kalkan turn left at the entrance of "Yesilkoy" (the large village after the Patara junction). The dust road climbing to the South will lead you to one of the engineering masterpieces of
antiquity: The Patara Waterway (Delik Kemer).
The aqueduct stands 10 meters high, built in typical Lycian masonry
with large pentagonal stones. A closed hose type waterway, formed by
hand-carved hollowed rock blocks is supported by this structure. The
system, called a siphon, crosses the valley, which avoided having to
construct an enormous aqueduct raised to the same level. It is worth
the trouble to climb up to the top to see details like the vertical
holes to reduce pressure, the precision of the fittings, etc. A
beautiful plunging view of the Mediterranean can be enjoyed from the
top of the aqueduct (2.7 km from the main road and well worth a visit
despite the poor condition of the road). |
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XANTHOS
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Letoon, a cult centre of ancient Lycia, is located four
kilometres from the ancient city of Xanthos on the western bank of Esen
Cayi (ancient Xanthos river). The history of Letoon is inextricably bound with that of the city of Xanthos. Excavations at Xanthos have been in progress since 1950, carried out by a French team originally under the direction of Henri Metzger and later Christian le Roy. Pottery unearthed at Letoon can be dated to the late 8th or early 7th centuries BC. There have been no traces of any finds later than the 7th century AD.
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CANYON - TLOS - YAKAPARK |
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Take the main road to Fethiye, turn
right at the sign Saklikent in the village of Alacat, 45 km.
from Kalkan. Turn South at the T, always following Saklikent
signs. 12 km. after leaving the main road to Fethiye, you
must turn right continue for 3 more kilometres. You will
then arrive at a large stream with a narrow bridge crossing
it. The entrance of the canyon is under the bridge. The
narrow foot path suspended from the rock wall is
spectacular. The small island surrounded by cascading water
is pleasant place to taste the local trout. We also
recommend crossing the bridge to discover another source of
the Xanthos river, Ulupinar, 1 km. further east. There is a
restaurant hidden by lush vegetation. The canyon itself
could present a very interesting trekking expedition, since
it climbs north for 12 km. From about 100 m. (at its
entrance) to 800 m altitude. The water temperature at these
sources is 10°C in summer. You may also visit two caves in
the valley although difficult to reach. After lunch, return
to the road junction (3 km.) and proceed to the right, you
will cross Kayadibi village (4 km.). Stop and ask for
Yakapark since it is rather difficult to find (11 km. from
the canyon junction). You will end up in a large trout farm
under magnificent oak trees. The restaurant surrounded by
mini waterfalls, serves traditional Turkish lamb kebab and
of course trout. You can also have your afternoon tea in the
coolness of a 520 m. altitude.
Tlos, one of the six most important cities of Lycian
Confederation, is only 4 km. to the southwest. The rocky
peak around which the city was founded is dotted by Lycian,
Roman and Byzantine ruins. An Ottoman feudal lord’s castle
(Kanli Ali Aga) sits on the top of the promontory with a
spectacular 360° view of the Xanthos Valley. The stadium,
the Roman baths and gymnasium, the Byzantine basilica, the
theatre which has 34 rows of seats and the agora are the
most important ruins of the city. Nevertheless, the
necropolis with its carved house and temple type tombs are
the most interesting remains. The best known tomb is the
Tomb of Bellerophon where Bellerophon mounted on Pegasus is
seen fighting the three headed Chimera. Kalkan is 50 km.
away following the same road. |
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PINARA - BEZIRGAN |
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One of the most spectacular sites in
Lycia and also one of its six largest cities is Pinara, reached by turning left off the Fethiye road 42 km. from
Kalkan. The yellow historical road sign appearing 3 km.
after passing Esen Village will direct you to Minarekoy (4
km.) a charming village with authentic stone houses. The
road to Pinara climbs sharply and is to the left before the
first houses are reached. After 2 km. of rough track you
will arrive at a wide open space which is used as a car
park.
A large red cliff dominates the site and hundreds of caves
dug into its East facade make it look like a honeycomb.
Pinara is a complicated and difficult site to visit and it
is advisable to find a local person to show you its hidden
beauties. Dozens of very old oak trees line the track of a
cold mountain stream making this an ideal place for a picnic
during the heat of midday.
Special monuments of interest are the theatre, several
funerary tombs (especially the one called the "Royal Tomb"
which has wall carvings), the agora and the temple. The
acropolis on the cliff can be reached but this requires a
special expedition and a knowledgeable guide. There are some
very beautiful tombs carved into the rocks of what is called
the South Necropolis. Some very old olive trees can be seen. |
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