Phaselis Ancient City

The ancient city of Phaselis, which is approximately 14 km away from Kemer, was built in the 7th century BC. It is known that it was founded in a hundred years. The city of Phaselis, which has been home to many civilizations since its foundation, remained under the rule of pirates for a time. The city, which also hosted the Persians and the Romans, came under the rule of the Seljuks in 1158. With the importance of the ports of Alanya and Antalya, Phaselis city was completely abandoned in the 13th century and has been almost destroyed as a result of earthquakes and other natural disasters.

The existing remains of the city and the 3 ports of the city have been unearthed as a result of the excavations conducted between 1981 and 1984. There are four harbours in the city: South Harbor, North Harbor, War Harbor or Protected Harbor. There is also a beautiful 24 meter wide street in the city, Hadrian's gate at the southern end of this street and walking trails and shops on both sides of the street. There are also structures such as Turkish Baths, Agora and Theater in the ancient city. The ancient city of Phaselis gives its visitors a magnificent view with its location, nature, pristine bays and beaches.

Visiting Hours of Phaselis

The ancient city of Phaselis is open to visitors every day of the week and can be visited between 08:00 and 19:00 in summer and between 08:00 and 17:00 in winter. The museum card is valid in the ancient city and the entrance is provided for a fee for those who do not have a museum card.

How to get to the ancient city of Phaselis

It is possible to find minibuses from Kemer and Tekirova and from Antalya bus terminal to the ancient city of Phaselis which is 52 km away from Kemer. Those who come from Antalya by private car can reach the ancient city of Phaselis by following the Antalya-Kumluca road and signs. You can start your tour by getting through the toll booths and parking in an area close to the ancient city.

Distances to the ancient city of Phaselis

Alanya Phaselis 190 km

Antalya Phaselis 52 km

Belek Phaselis 65 km

Bodrum Phaselis 465 km

Fethiye Phaselis 232 km

Finike Phaselis 86 km

Kemer Phaselis 14 km

Manavgat Phaselis 85 km

Side Phaselis 77 km

Places to visit in the Ancient City of Phaselis:

Necropolis

Outside the city walls, there are three different necropolis areas, named the Western necropolis, the Northeast necropolis and the Northwest necropolis.

Western Necropolis

Excavations are still continuing in this area where 33 sarcophagi placed side by side are unearthed. There is no information about the graves and to whom they belong and no inscriptions or paintings were found on the sarcophagi.

Northwest Necropolis:

The northwest necropolis area is the second-largest burial site of the ancient city. A total of 105 graves were found in this area. It has been found that many graves have been lost due to earthquakes and road works in recent years, and many of them have been relocated and destroyed.

Northeast Necropolis:

It is observed that some of the graves in this area have collapsed into the sea due to the erosion of the waves. The structure and shape of the graves are different from other graves. Research and excavations in the necropolis area are continuing.

Acropolis:

The settlement area on the Acropolis, covering an area of 8.5 hectares, was organized against attacks in the 5th century BC. It is estimated that the city walls surrounding the city were built immediately after the foundation of the city. According to the examinations on the ruins of the city walls, it is understood that it belongs to the period of the Roman Empire and the Eastern Empire.

Main Street:

The street from South Harbor into the city is 225 meters long and 23 meters wide. The sewerage structure identified along the street was used not only for wastewater but also for the discharge of rainwater. As a result of earthquakes and natural disasters, it is estimated that the buildings on the side of the street were destroyed and used for the construction of the city walls.

Big Bath:

The stonemasonry suggests that it was built in the 3rd century AD and repaired in the 4th century AD. Some of the entrances of the building, which was found to have been added new walls during the repair, were closed at that time. It is understood that the aqueducts came to the bathhouse.

Small Bath:

The building, which was estimated to have been built in the 3rd century AD, is located on the eastern side of the ancient city.

Hadrianus Agora:
The agora dedicated to the Emperor Hadrianus is located opposite the Ancient Theater. There is a fountain in the south corner of the agora overlooking the theatre. In the building inscription of the building, Olympos was built for the saviour of the whole universe, homeland and Phaselisians.

Ancient aqueduct:

Very few of the aqueducts built in the 2nd century AD to meet the water needs of the ancient city remain to this day. Aqueducts, which have been affected by earthquakes and natural disasters over time, have been used to bring water from distant points to the city in ancient times.

Latrina (Toilets):

It is located to the north of the small bath. It was built in the 3rd century AD and is surrounded by three deep canals.

Domitian Agora:

The oldest agora of Phaselis is located next to the main street leading to the south harbour. The agora is dedicated to the emperor Domitian and from the inscription on the gate, it is understood to have been built in the 1st century AD.

Hadrian’s Gate:

The point where the main street ends is called Hadrian’s Gate. It is possible to see the parts of the door which did not remain until today but are thought to be arch-shaped.

Ancient Theater:

The Phaselis Antique Theater, which has a capacity of 1500 people, is one of the structures that have survived to the present day. The theatre, which is estimated to have been built in the 2nd century AD, is 6 meters in height, although not very large.

Inscriptions in the Ancient City of Phaselis:

There are inscriptions on both sides of the road along the street leading to the Agora. It is estimated that some of the content of the inscriptions is about the success of the athletes and some of them are some kind of honour writing.

Bays and beaches

Phaselis bay central harbour beach

Phaselis Bay, which is about 12 km away from Kemer, fascinates its visitors with its clean sea and turquoise colour. Phaselis Bay, which looks like a natural pool, is in a position that is intertwined with history with its magnificent nature and the ancient city of Phaselis nearby. Phaselis Bay is a 20-minute drive from Kemer city centre and you can reach the entrance of the ancient city by minibuses or private vehicles. Parking is available in the ancient city, which has an entrance fee.

North Harbor

The second largest beach of the ancient city can be reached by a car close to the North Harbor. Beach chairs and umbrellas are not provided on the beach so the visitors are advised to bring their own.

South Harbor

The southern harbour with its impressive view has a slightly larger beach. The beach, which can be reached by passing through the ancient city, is covered with sand and small pebbles. Since it is close to the forest area, there is also the possibility of sitting under the trees and enjoying the nature. Shower, toilet and changing rooms are available on the South Harbor beach.

Bostanlık Bay

Bostanlık Bay is 15 km away from Kemer and you can reach the bay by going there with a car to a certain point and then walking. Bostanlik Bay, located right next to the southern harbour of the ancient city of Phaselis, is a place of choice for those who want to enjoy the calm sea.