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.

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