What is it? Why is it worth seeing?
Phaselis is an ancient city is located at the foot of Tahtalı Mountain. The name is translated from Luwian, and it means "the sea town." In the 7th century BC, the colonists from Rhodes founded the city to deliver the Taurus forest to other harbors. According to the legends, the land for the city was bought for a bag of dried fish.
Phaselis was located on the border of two historical regions. Therefore, sometimes it belongs to Lycia and sometimes to Pamphylia. In the V century BC, the city was under the control of the Persians. But after its release entered The Delian League (or Athenian League). In 333 BC, the city met Alexander the Great and gave him a golden crown. Afterward, it was ruled by the Ptolemies, the Rhodians, and in 167 BC, became a member of the Lycian League. Later, in 42 BC, it was under the control of Rome. Then a period of prosperity has started, which lasted almost 300 years.
During the Byzantine era, Phaselis became one of the cities that accepted the terms of the Chalcedonian Cathedral. After the invasions of the Arabs in the 7th century, a new period of prosperity begins (8th century). The ruins of city walls and structures date back to this time. In 1158, the Selçuks attacked the city. In the 13th century, due to earthquakes and the rapid development of other port cities, all residents left Phaselis.
What can you see there today? You can see the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine periods. For example, there is a theater built in the 4th century BC on the slope of the Acropolis. It is relatively small - 20 rows are designed for 3 thousand people. To the right of the entrance, you can see the most ancient walls of the city fortress (III century BC). Phaselis aqueduct deserves special attention. The city baths in the area of the square are also impressive. Inside the agora, you can find the ruins of a small basilica. On the eastern slope of the acropolis, there are the ruins of the temples of Pallas Athena and Hermes.
Who will like it?
Everyone who is interested in history and antiquity, and everyone who wants to be alone with the sea. There are excellent beaches near the city, where you can hardly find tourists.
How you can get there?
It takes 45 km from the hotel to the city. You can get there by car.