Places to see in the ancient city of Olympos

The word Olimpos, which means Paramount Mountain or Grand Mountain in an ancient language, is thought to be derived from ancient Anatolian languages. It is known that the ancient city, whose establishment date is not clearly known, is one of the cities with 6 privileges within the Lycian Union and entitled to three votes.  During the excavations, it was understood that Olympos minted coins in 178 and 68 BC. The ancient city of Olympos, which has been home to many civilizations throughout the history, can be visited during the winter season between 08:00 and 17:00 and in summer between 08:00 and 19:00. The museum card is valid in the ancient city which is paid for.

Places to see in the ancient city of Olympos:

Input complex:

It is located on the main street extending in the east-west direction of the ancient city. As a result of the excavations started in 2009, it was understood that the building was built in the 5th and 6th centuries AD and was used for accommodation, food production and commercial activities.

Southern necropolis:

Just after entering the ancient city of Olympos, it is the area to the right of the Olympos stream which divides the ancient city into two parts to the west of the city. As a result of the excavations and investigations, a total of 354 graves were found. It is thought that the road used in front of the tombs, which is still used today, was used for the same purpose in ancient times. 

North Necropolis and street:

113 graves were found during excavations and investigations in this region. The street in the necropolis area was built as a residential area by constructing houses and churches in the necropolis area since the 4th century. 

Necropolis Church:

The structure, called the church, is located in the south of the entrance to the north necropolis in the northwest of the ancient city where the Olympos stream divides into two. As a result of the flood in 1969, some parts of the church were destroyed. It is estimated that it was built in the 6th century.

Episcopal palace:

According to the findings of the excavations, the palace was built in the 5th and 6th centuries AD. It is presumed to be the largest building in the ancient city.

Temple:

Very few of the buildings on the northern side of the city, which were found to belong to the Roman Empire, have survived to the present day. According to the inscription on the base of the sculpture, it is dated to the second half of the 2nd century AD

Port Basilica:

One of the striking structures in the ancient city is the ruins of the basilica. There is a basilica with three naves in the southern part of the structure, whose walls have survived to a great extent. It was understood that the building, which was built as an agora in Roman times, was converted into a church with Christianity. 

Bridge:

The bridge, which was built during the Roman period on the Olympos stream, which connects the north and south of the ancient city, has survived until today. When it is built, it is estimated that the bridge, which has three arches, was destroyed due to earthquakes.   

Lykiarkh Tomb:

Lyciark, which means the president of the Lycian Union, and the rock tombs which are supposed to belong to the person named Marcus Aurelius Arkhepolis and his family, are among the points to be seen in the ancient city. According to the inscription of the grave building, it is assumed that it was built in the second half of the 3rd century AD. 

Mosaic Structure:

It is estimated that it was built in the 5th and 6th centuries AD and was used for religious duties and accommodation. After the excavation and cleaning work in 1992, the building gained its present appearance. It is thought that the building, which is understood to be used as a residence, is rich in mosaic and brick workmanship in terms of decorative and belongs to one of the leading families of the city.   

Antimachos Sarcophagus:
The sarcophagus, which was built in the 2nd century BC and presumably belongs to the Antimachos family, is located to the north of the ancient city. It is possible to see the symbol of the tree of life, which is the symbol of the invariable cycle between life and death in the Sumerians, on the Antimachos sarcophagus.

Acropolis Hill:

The hill with the ruins of the ancient city also offers a magnificent view to visitors. It is known that the hill with an altitude of 48 meters was used as a settlement area. There are two and three-storey tower type houses on the hill as well as a cistern used as a water tank. It is recommended that those who have the time to visit the hill, which does not have clear information about the settlement date.

Monumental Tombs of the Harbor:

It is estimated that the graves carved into the rock which was first used in the 2nd century were used later in the 5th century. The second of the monumental tombs of the harbour is located in a two-storey space carved into the bedrock. 

Ancient Theater:

The theatre built on the northern slope of the hill on the western border of the city is estimated to have been built in the 2nd century AD. It is seen that the theatre plan is one of the few theatres with a semi-circle plan in Lycia. Almost all of the ancient theatre that has been destroyed due to earthquakes has reached the point of disappearance.

Vespasianus Bath:

It is estimated that it was built in 70 AD by the Roman Emperor Vespasian, and it is a very large building ahead of the Ancient Theater. The frigidarium, tepidarium and caldarium sections of the building, which is the largest of the two baths in Olympos, are still standing. It is understood that during the Roman Empire, the bath was not only used for cleaning but also used as a place for political lobbying.