TERMESSOS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

34 km from Antalya, this archaeological site features the well-preserved ruins of a Pisidian city, within the Güllük Dağ Milli National Park, a natural environment of great beauty. The site of Termessos is certainly the best located ancient city.

History. The first inhabitants of Termessos were warriors, neither Greeks nor Lycians, but Pisidians. In 333 BC, the city successfully resisted the attacks of Alexander the Great. And in 70 BC, the city was granted independent status by the Romans.

Practicalities. The site is open daily from 8am to 6pm from May to September, 5pm the rest of the year. Admission charge. It's a 20-minute walk from the parking lot, so get there early in the morning and take something to eat and drink with you. Allow between 2h30 and 5h for the visit. The town's fortifications are still visible, and most of its buildings are in excellent condition. Passing the gymnasium, you reach a magnificent Greek theater with an incredible view over a ravine that could seat 4,200 spectators. At the end of the agora, an imposing mausoleum. On the other side, near the odeon, were four temples. Only the one dedicated to Zeus Solymus retains the lustre of its former grandeur. Climbing the hill leads to the intersection of two paths. One leads to the necropolis, with sarcophagi (^3rd century). The other leads to the tomb of Alcatus (front engraved with a soldier in battle dress).