The ancient city of Soli Pompeiopolis
The ancient city of Soli Pompeipolis, which is 14 km away from Mersin, is known to have been founded by the colonists who came from Cyprus to Anatolia in the 7th century BC. The ancient city, which was invaded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, was named Soli Pompeipolis by taking its name from the commander Pompei. As it is one of the important port cities of the ancient period, it has made an important economic development. The ruins of the harbour, collonaded street, Turkish bath, theatre, city walls, aqueducts and several buildings can be seen in the ancient city. One of the most important places of the ancient city is the collonaded street. There are a total of 33 columns on the street and the inscriptions on the columns indicate these are the busts of the emperor or top managers.
Adam (Man) Rocks
Adam rocks in the valley of the Devtan stream of the Erdemli district of Mersin were named after the human reliefs carved on the rocks. It is not known exactly when the reliefs were made and it is estimated that it was built towards the middle of the 3rd century BC. There are 4 female, 11 male, 2 children, 1 mountain goat and 1 eagle figure on the rocks. Those who want to visit the rocks are recommended to wear suitable shoes to climb a steep slope. After visiting Man Rocks, you can also visit Kızkalesi which is 3.5 km away, on the same day.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Alahan Monastery
It is estimated that the Alahan Monastery, which is located in the vicinity of Geçimli village and 20 km away from the Mut district of Mersin, was used as a pilgrimage centre for believers in Christian religion between the 4th and 6th centuries BC. The monastery, which was believed to have been built by St Paul and Barnabas, one of the pioneers of Christianity in 440 and 442, has 2 churches, one of which is in ruins and the other is intact. On the walls of the monastery are the angels of Gabriel and Michael as well as several different angels and animals. Around the monastery are collonaded roads, rock tombs, baths and accommodation options. The entrance to the monastery is accessible by private vehicles, and museum cardholders can visit for free.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<The ancient city of Olba
In ancient times, it was the centre of the Olba Kingdom and was known as an important commercial city and religious centre. The remains of the ancient city include a fountain building, necropolis, 150 meters long and 5 meters high aqueduct, watchtowers, ancient theatre,different tomb types and house ruins. Those who want to go to the ancient city by private vehicles can come to Silifke and visit the ancient city by following the signs from there. You can reach the ancient city by coming to Silifke with the shuttle services departing from Mersin bus station and going to Uzunburç town. The ancient city, which is open to visitors between 08:30 and 19:30 in summer and between 08:00 and 17:00 in winter, is available for a fee, while museum cardholders can visit for free.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Ancient city of Anamurium
The ancient city, estimated to have been founded in the 4th century BC, is located in the Anamur district of Mersin, 7 km from the city centre. It is also known as a part of the Commagene kingdom which started to develop in the 1st century AD. It is an important trade and port city in ancient times due to its location by the sea. 1.5 km long city walls, aqueducts, theatre, Odeon, baths and mosaics can be seen in the ancient city. During the excavations in the city, fishing tools, tools used in construction, tools used in making pots, coins, seals, weaving tools and many other artefacts were found. The artefacts are exhibited in museums in Mersin.Museum cardholders can enter the ancient city free of charge.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Uzuncaburç Ruins (Diokaesareia)
The ruins located 30 km north of Silifke are also known as the place of worship of the ancient city of Olba. Uzunburç ruins, which is also known as the city that makes money for its own name, has quite magnificent buildings and artefacts to be seen. These include monumental tomb structures, Zeus temple, Tyche temple, ancient fountain, collonaded street, the temple of luck (Tychaeum), Victory Gate, Ceremonial Gate, High Tower, Churches, Theater and Necropolis. You can reach the ancient city by coming to Silifke with the shuttle services departing from Mersin bus station and going to Uzunburç town. The ancient city, which is open to visitors between 08:30 and 19:30 in summer and between 08:00 and 17:00 in winter, is available for a fee, while museum cardholders can visit for free.
Mausoleum: The monument, which has a history of 2300 years, is thought to belong to one of the rulers of the Olba kingdom. The unique monumental tomb in the region with its pyramid-roofed architectural structure has a height of 15 meters and has a square plan of 5.5 meters x 5.5 meters.
Temple of Zeus: Placed immediately after the Ceremonial Gate, the temple is surrounded by 36 columns and was converted into a church during the Christian era. It is among the most important structures of Uzuncaburç.
Temple of Luck (Tychaeum): The temple built by Oppius and his wife Kyria, one of the nobles of the city, is known as a gift to the city and 5 columns of 6 meters high remains from the temple to the present day.
Collonaded Street: Although its name is a collonaded street, over time the columns disappeared. The street which is right next to the temple of Zeus intersects with another columned street.
Victory Gate: The Victory Gate to the north of the Temple of Zeus consists of one large and two small entrances. It is understood from the inscription written that it was repaired between 395-423. It is understood that there were statues and busts on the door in the ancient period.
Ceremonial Gate: It is estimated that the 5-pillars of 1-meter diameter and 7-meter height gate is still standing and carries statues on it.
High Tower: The tower, which protects the treasury, is a shelter for the public in case of danger and consists of living areas of the city administrators, was built at a height of 23 meters without using any mortar. It is known that the tower, which was built in the 3rd century BC, was used as the emblem on the coins printed here as well as Uzuncaburç was called after this tower.
Churches: With the spread of Christianity in the region, the number of churches in the city increased. After the temple of Zeus was converted into a church, the buildings in the city were also converted into a church.
Theatre: It is estimated that it was built between 161 and 180 during the Roman Empire period to make use of the land structure and slope. For those who want to stop and rest the while visiting the ancient city, the steps of the ancient theatre welcome visitors.
Necropolis: The Necropolis on both sides of the valley to the north of the city consists of graves carved into the rocks. The rock-cut cemeteries were used by many different civilizations in ancient times.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<İmbriogion (Demircili) Ruins
The two-storey structure consists of four columns and its roof is collapsed. Next to the building is a rock tomb. Two monumental tombs standing side by side 300 meters away from this area are among the striking artefacts. The architectural decorations, reliefs and animal sculptures on the monumental tombs indicate that the graves belong to an important family. The ruins in Demircili district, 6 km north of Silifke, can be reached by private or rental car. The ancient city, which is open to visitors between 08:30 and 19:30 in summer and between 08:00 and 17:00 in winter, is available for a fee, while museum cardholders can visit for free.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<İmbriogion (Demircili) Ruins
The two-storey structure consists of four columns and its roof is collapsed. Next to the building is a rock tomb. Two monumental tombs standing side by side 300 meters away from this area are among the striking artefacts. The architectural decorations, reliefs and animal sculptures on the monumental tombs indicate that the graves belong to an important family. The ruins in Demircili district, 6 km north of Silifke, can be reached by private or rental car. The ancient city, which is open to visitors between 08:30 and 19:30 in summer and between 08:00 and 17:00 in winter, is available for a fee, while museum cardholders can visit for free.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Kanlıdivane Ruins
It is estimated that the ancient city in the Erdemli district of Mersin was founded in the 3rd century BC. It is built around a large sink-hole, which is a natural graben and can be accessed by stairs up to 40 meters deep. In the city, which is estimated to be the holy settlement of Olba kingdom, there are 15 olive workshops, thrust bearings, screw weights, pressure weight stones, olive crushing boats and stones. The ancient city, which is open to visitors between 08:30 and 19:30 in summer and between 08:00 and 17:00 in winter, is available for a fee, while museum cardholders can visit for free.
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