Olympos Ancient City

📍 General Information

• 🌍 Location: Located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, south of Kemer, within the boundaries of Beydağları Coastal National Park.

• 🏗️ Founded: Around the 2nd century BC by the Lycian civilization.

• 🏺 Significance: One of the six most important cities of the Lycian League. The city takes its name from Mount Olympos (modern Tahtalı Dağı) rising majestically nearby.

🕰️ Historical Background

• ⚓ Lycian Period: Known as a powerful maritime and trading center; also associated with pirate activity in the region.

• 🏛️ Roman Period: After the pirates were expelled, the city flourished under Roman rule and was rebuilt with grand architecture.

• ✝️ Byzantine Period: Several churches and basilicas were constructed as Christianity spread.

• ⚒️ Medieval Period: Gradual decline due to earthquakes and changes in trade routes.

• 🏺 Modern Period: Archaeological excavations began in the 20th century, and the site became one of Antalya’s most visited historical attractions.

🏗️ Architectural Highlights

• 🎭 Ancient Theatre: A small Roman-style theatre built on the hillside.

• 🌉 Bridge Over the River: Divides the ancient city, connecting its two main sections.

• 🏛️ Agora & Baths: Once the heart of trade and social life.

• ⚱️ Necropolis: Features rock-cut tombs and sarcophagi — the most famous belonging to Captain Eudemos, the legendary pirate.

• ⛪ Byzantine Churches: Reflecting the city’s later Christian influence.

• 🔥 Chimera (Yanartaş): A natural wonder located 5 km away, where eternal flames emerge from the ground — believed in mythology to be the breath of the monster Chimera.

🌿 Natural and Touristic Features

• 🏖️ Combines ancient ruins, lush nature, and a serene beach in one place.

• 🏕️ Surrounded by eco-friendly bungalows and treehouse accommodations, popular among backpackers.

• 🐢 Caretta Caretta sea turtles nest on the Olympos beach during summer.

• 🥾 Located on the Lycian Way, one of the world’s most scenic hiking routes.

• 📸 A perfect spot for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike.

🕒 Visitor Information (2025)

🌟 Cultural Importance

Olympos Ancient City stands as a symbol of the harmony between history, mythology, and nature.
From the whispers of ancient pirates to the eternal flames of Chimera, every step through Olympos tells a story.
It remains one of Antalya’s most captivating archaeological and touristic destinations — where time feels suspended between ruins and the sea.