Termessos: An Ancient City That Stands the Test of Time and Continues to Fascinate
Termossos Ancient City, which is one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey, is considered as a national park because it contains hot springs. The ancient city of Termossos, hidden among the dense pine trees around it, was founded by one of the oldest peoples of Anatolia. These people are the Solym people, descendants of the Luwians. According to another view, this city was founded by the Pisidia tribe.
History of Termessos
There are two different legends about the history of Termessos. The first of these legends tells that in Homer's Iliad epic, a Lycian king ordered one of the ancient Greek heroes to conquer Termossos. This hero rode his winged horse Pegasus, flew over the city and dominated the city by throwing stones at the people from above. This hero is known for killing dragons.
According to another belief, Alexander the Great besieged the city in 333 BC. However, Alexander the Great could not dominate the city due to the successful defense of the people.
After Alexander's death, the Ptolemies captured the people of the city. In 189 BC, Isinda was also captured. As a result of the complaints of the people of this city, the city was punished by the commander of the Roman forces of the time.
In 71 BC, it was approved by the Roman Senate that the city of Termessos could make its own decisions and determine its own laws.
Ruins of Termessos Ancient City
The Hellenistic Age Wall near Yenicekahve on the Antalya-Korkuteli highway shows the remains of the city. These ruins continue until the top of Güllük Mountain. There is a remarkable element among these ruins. This element is the channels belonging to the sewage network. These channels give information about the infrastructure of the city.
The temple dating from the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the steps built on Ion and the monumental entrance await you on the pathway leading to the ancient city.
When you proceed towards the south from the city waters and water source, there is the Gymnasium, the first floor of which has been damaged. Gymnasium consists of many buildings and rooms. To the southwest of this building there is a street with large columns. There are shops behind the columns.
When you come to the flat area, you will be welcomed by the official buildings. There are agora, portico, parliament building and theater in this area.
Features of Termessos Ancient City
Termessos National Park, also known as Güllük Mountain, is rich in vegetation diversity. The national park is also popular for its open zoo, which houses many endangered species. Termessos, which maintained friendship and alliance relations with the Roman Empire, was independent in its own affairs, which is understood from the style of coins in the city. The Roman Senate stated that they would not be decisive in the laws in Termessos.
Termessos Ancient City has many temples and cemeteries. The types of tombs and the ornaments on them are highly appreciated.
Due to the geographical location of the city, the ancient city of Termessos, which has the distinction of being the ancient city that has survived to the present day in the most undamaged way, could escape the eyes of even warrior tribes due to the rugged geography where it was founded. Due to the high location of the ancient city, it was not affected by external negativities. It has survived to the present day with almost all its structures except earthquakes and natural deterioration.
Important Structures Found in the Ancient City of Termessos
Temple of Artemis Hadrian - Propylon of Hadrian
Lower Fortification
City Entrance Gate
Gymnasium - Hammam
Colonnaded Street
Upper Fortification
King Street
Osbaras Stoa
Theater
Agora
Odeon
Temples
Founder's House
Hero Tomb
Upper Necropolis
Rock Tombs and the Cult of the Dead
Alketas Tomb
Lower Necropolis
Where is Termossos Ancient City?
Termossos Ancient City is located on the Antalya-Korkuteli route, in Bayatbademleri district of Antalya Döşemealtı district. Located 30 kilometers northwest of Antalya city center, the historical site welcomes you at the foot of Güllük Mountain.
Termossos Ancient City Visiting Hours and Entrance Fees
Visiting Hours
Summer (April 1-October 1)
Weekdays 10.00-19.00
Weekends 10.00-19.00
Winter season (October 1-April 1)
Weekdays: 08.30-17.30
Weekend: 08.30-17.30
Entrance Fees
Entrance fee to the ancient city 20 TL
Museum card holders can enter free of charge twice a year.
Museum card plus holders can enter unlimited times throughout the year.
How To Get To Termossos Ancient City?
By public transportation
Visitors who prefer to arrive by public transportation are recommended to use bus number 506.
By private vehicle
If you are coming by private car, you should turn towards Korkuteli at the 11th kilometer of the Antalya-Burdur road. The ancient city signs will greet you 14 kilometers after you turn towards Korkuteli.
Visitors coming from Istanbul should use the Bursa- Afyon- Burdur road.
Visitors coming from Ankara should prefer Afyon-Burdur road.
If you are coming from Izmir, you should prefer Denizli-Acıpayam-Çavdar road.
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