A Complete Guide to Mount Nemrut: Discover the Summit and Its Mysterious Monuments
Rising 2,150 meters high in the Kahta district of Adıyaman province in southeastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut is a unique open-air museum that houses the mysterious legacy of the Commagene Kingdom. Built by King Antiochos Theos I, who ruled in the 1st century BC, this monumental complex fascinates visitors with its gigantic statues of gods, the king's burial tumulus and impressive views. So, what is special about Mount Numrut? Who put the statues on Mount Nemrut? What is the history of Mount Nemrut? And how to visit Mount Nemrut?
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Commagene Kingdom and King Antiochos I
The Kingdom of Commagene was a unique civilisation that emerged from the fusion of Greek and Persian cultures in eastern Anatolia in the 1st century BC. To show his gratitude to the gods and his ancestors, King Antiochus Theos I built a monumental complex on the summit of Mount Nemrut, including his own tomb and colossal statues. This building is a unique example of architecture reflecting the synthesis of Eastern and Western cultures.
Statues and Terraces
The monument complex on Mount Nemrut consists of three main terraces: east, west and north.
East Terrace: On this terrace, which is considered sacred, there are gigantic statues 8-10 meters high. These statues include King Antiochos, Apollo, Heracles, Zeus and the Commagene goddess Fortuna. There are also relief stelae of the Commagene royal family and a fire altar.
West Terrace: This terrace features reliefs depicting handshake scenes with the gods and the Lion Horoscope. The Lion Horoscope is considered to be the oldest known horoscope in the world and features reliefs of the moon and stars.
North Terrace: This terrace is a transition area connecting the eastern and western terraces and contains fewer remains.
Visit Information
Entrance Fee: As of 2025, the entrance fee to Mount Nemrut Ruins is 240 TL. Entrance is free for visitors under 18 and over 65. MuseumKart holders can also enter free of charge.
Visiting Hours: The ruins open at 04:00 in the morning and close at 17:00 in the evening. Box office closing time is 16:30.
Best Time to Visit: Mount Nemrut may be closed during the winter months (December-March) due to heavy snowfall. The best time to visit is between April and November. Sunrise and sunset hours offer the most impressive moments for photographers and nature lovers.
Transportation Guide
If you wish to visit via Adıyaman, follow the D360 highway to reach the Kahta district from Adıyaman city centre. Transportation from Kahta to Mount Nemrut can be provided by private vehicles or tours organised by local tour companies.
By Air: Adıyaman Airport is the closest airport to Mount Nemrut and is approximately 15 km from the Kahta district. Alternatively, Malatya, Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep airports can also be used.
Public Transportation: There are minibus services from Adıyaman and Kahta to Mount Nemrut. It is also possible to get guidance and transportation services from the hotels.
Visit Tips
Be Prepared: The ascent to Mount Nemrut can take about 25 minutes. Comfortable shoes and season-appropriate clothing should be preferred.
For Photographers: Sunrise and sunset hours offer the most impressive views of Mount Nemrut. Planning a visit during these hours will help you capture unforgettable shots.
Guidance Service: To better understand the historical and cultural information, it may be useful to seek the services of local guides.
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