Ancient Phaselis-Turkey- 2011

Oct 2011

While  in Kemer we travelled 12km by Dolmus (local mini bus) to the ruins of the ancient Lycian site of Phaselis in it's picturesque setting with dramatic views of the Taurus mountains. 

Phaselis was founded by Rhodians (people from Rhodes) in 693 BC as a Maritime Centre where they built an extensive town and Acropolis around three small harbours. Alexander the Great wintered in  Phaselis in 333BC and later it became a pirate stronghold before being absorbed into the Roman province of  Lycia-Pamphylia in AD 43. 

Today it is a National Park and a tourist attraction.

 (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

North Harbour

The Necropolis at North Harbour

Most of the ruins date to the Roman era and include the ruins of an Ampitheatre, two Roman Bath complexes, an Agora, Necroplis, an magnificant Aqueduct leading down from Mt Olympos.

A very empty Amphitheatre.

Fran in one of the Roman  Baths

Part of the huge Roman Bath complex

Remains of a Mosaic in one of the Roman  Baths

Scattered Ruins of a Roman Bath

Underfloor heating in the Roman Baths

We had almost completed our visit when the 'heavens opened up" on us! We were  pleased to be able to shelter under the Aqueduct and hoped that the Romans had built it strongly enough for one more thunderstorm! We had our wind and rain jackets with us but had left our umbrellas behind on this occasion! We ended up drenched! Maybe the Romans should have built it wider.

The Aqueduct

The solid arches of the Aqueduct

We were amazed that there were so few tourists at this site and those that were there were mainly Russians and Germans! At one stage Tom wanted to call out "does anyone speak English?"  However, it was a welcome change not to have to fight "the hoards" for our photo opportunities. 

Tom in  Typical Action

A marble gateway erected in honour of Hadrian's visit in 129 AD leads from the South Harbour  to a colonaded street.

Greek Inscritption

Grand Harbour Street

Ruins of Hardians Gate 

Ruins from once beautiful columns were scattered  everywhere!

South Harbour . Note the Day Tripper  Boats

If you are near Kemer, Phaselis is well worth a visit with the bonus of being able to swim in the crystal clear water if you visit in summer.