Termessos is one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey. This unique destination is located at the top of the Gulluk Dagi National Park. In fact, you will find hidden a multitude of wild plants and dense pine forests. This beautiful place has a peaceful appearance and without modern changes. Without a doubt, it has a different and impressive environment than other ancient cities.
Activity/Place Highlights
If you are planning to go to Termessos, you can not miss the incredible ancient theater that dates from the Hellenistic and Roman times. The theater perches on the edge of a cliff and has one of the most impressive views of all the ruins.
Also, you can see great works such as the Odeon, the gymnasium, the Agora, fortifications, the cistern, six temples among which one is dedicated to Artemis and another probably to Zeus.
In Termessos you can also appreciate the grave Alcetas, an officer of Alexander the Great pursued Year 319 a.c for Antígono I Monóftalmos. In fact, Alcetas fled and committed suicide in Termessos. To avoid falling into enemy hands.
There are other interesting remains on the walls, such as Adriano’s Triumphal Arch. However, the tombs scattered there are also amazing, some extraordinarily decorated like those of Agatermeros and León. With this, the termessians left a testimony of their great civilization.
How to get there
Termessos is 24 miles (39km) northwest of Antalya. In fact, you have the possibility to book tours that include rides to Termessos, Düden Waterfall and Karain Caves. You should ask at your hotel about the recommendations of these tours and plan them in advance.
Also, if you don’t have booked a tour, you can choose to go to Otorgar bus terminal, and you can go by public transport, by taxi or by renting a car.
By public transport: Take a bus in the station heading in the direction of Korkuteli. You must get off at the signposted junction of Termessos. In fact, from there, is a distance of 8.5 km to walk to the ruins. In the summer, there are taxis waiting to transport tourists to the ruins, but in winter you will probably have to walk to the place.
By taxi: hire a taxi from Antalya bus terminal to Termessos.
By car: From Antalya take the D350 road on the way to Denizli. After 25 km cross on the Termessos signage. Also, from there, follow the road carefully, until you reach the parking lot.
When to go
Spring (mid April – early June) and fall. (September-October) are the best times.
How long
You will need at least 5 hours to explore termessos properly. Also, from the Antalya bus terminal, it is about an hour to reach the entry point by bus. In addition, it’s about a 40 minute hike to the ruins.
Opening and Closing Hours
The ruins of Termessos are open all year. But their schedules vary by season, for example, in the summer the park opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m.
However, in the winter, the park can open at 8:00 am and if there is bad weather it can close, but early. Otherwise, the last entry is usually at 5:00 pm to allow time to return comfortably.
Planning
If you are thinking about visiting Termessos, you should keep in mind that it is not an area where many tourists arrive. Besides, booking a tour can solve things about transportation and the guide. In this way, to book you must contact the companies that are in the city, or asking for recommendations at your hotel. However, we recommend that you do it for a few weeks in advance because there are some tours that require a minimum number of people.
On the contrary, if you did not have time to book a tour, you can arrive by doing the route yourself. Since you should not buy any online ticket, or need any other type of additional permission. Such as the entrance is charged by the park ranger just as you arrive at Termessos, entering the national park. Also, if you go on weekdays, this park ranger is probably the only person you find in the place. In that way, remember to raise your concerns before you go up to the ruins.
Inside Information
Do not be afraid to follow the scattered arrows to see the most distant ruins (like the necropolis), it’s worth it. Also, keep in mind that the guides are only on weekends, due to the few tourists that go to the area.
Equally important, you can plan your visit very early, or in the afternoon because the heat is less strong.
Also, there are no services in the place, so you should bring enough water and snacks calculated for 4 hours. And it’s important that you wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, umbrella, and comfortable clothing because the heat is strong.
At the same time, roads are not well marked and there are not many information panels. However, if you go with a specialized guide who knows the terrain (they are on weekends at the entrance of the park). He can tell you the story of each ruin and your visit will be much more interesting.
History
The people of Termessos controlled trade along this stretch of the Mediterranean coast some 2,300 years ago. In fact, these constructions are impressive in the form of durability and strength because for the era it was made. In that way, they used perfectly fitted pieces, as you can see in their constructions. Also, its capacity to perforate the mountain is incredible, creating large dwellings whose access are simple windows carved in the stone.
Additionally, these people were famous for their warrior spirit, their capacity for resistance and for being attacked by Alexander the Great in 333 BC. As a result, hundreds of its tombs surround the city eroded by time and scattered in pieces.
Websites
www.turkeytravelplanner.com
Other nearby attractions
If you want to see more places that seem lost in time you can visit Karain’s cave. In fact, this is located in the city of Yağca, a town located 27 km northwest of the city of Antalya. Equally, it’s a prehistoric cave that has evidence of human occupation, dating from the early Paleolithic years.
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