Antiphellos Ancient City was founded by Lycians but Romans made the city live the prime time of itself. If you plan to visit this ancient city, read our blog and have an insight.
Antalya is an enthusiastic city including its historical ancient cities, crystal-clear sea, natural wonder parks, waterfalls, and vivid social life. Maybe that’s why every year millions of tourists have thrills in them to see this marvelous city. However, not only tourists are thrilled to see it here, but also in old times old residents of Antalya have appreciated and settled here.
Today almost everywhere in Antalya, there is an old settlement area or ancient city, or there are ruins of some settlements which we do not know whose place it was. Among the many ancient cities in Antalya, one of them is Antiphellos Ancient City. Here in that blog, you’ll see the history of Antiphellos Ancient City, what to see there, and how to go.
Historical Background of Antiphellos Ancient City
Antiphellos was found in a place where today’s Kaş is located now. That’s why, the ruins of the ancient city look dispersed. You can encounter Antiphellos remaining on your way.
Antiphellos Ancient City was a Lycian city back at that time. It was founded to create a port city for Phellos city in the north. In the era of the Romans, Antiphellos developed in commerce, by means of cedarwood, and sponge, and became a city more important and improved. The name of the Antiphellos comes even from the city “Phellos”, which means “the opposite of Phellos”.
According to the findings, it is known that Antiphellos was a living city until the 6th century B.C.
What to see in Antiphellos Ancient City?
The most important ruins that belonged to Antiphellos Ancient City are the theatre, stone graves, and the King’s Sarcophagi.
The Theatre
The theatre of the Antiphellos Ancient City was built in the Roman Era. This ancient theatre is the only one which has survived for centuries, comparing other theatres and ruins in other ancient cities in Turkey. It could have hosted nearly 3000 people at once, and the usage purpose was the same, to watch gladiator fights and other events. Besides, the theatre overlooks the Mediterranean sea, so the visitors generally come here at sunset, sit here, and watch the sun going down. The theatre is not in a far location, pretty near to the Kaş district, as well.
Rock Tombs
It’s seen the similar one in Myra Ancient City, but these rock tombs in Antiphellos look like less. On the rock tombs, there are adornments that depict some girls dancing and holding hands. Because of the soot from the fires, the adornments are not seen, unfortunately. Still, you can visit the rock tombs in Kaş.
King’s Tomb
As it’s mentioned below, ruins of the Antiphellos Ancient City were spread all around the city of Kaş, so this place is in the city center, not near the theatre and rock tombs. King’s Tomb is in the city center of Kaş, it’s like a symbol of the city. The real owner of the tomb is not known, however, due to the writings in Lycian on the tomb and not being close to the main settlement, the local people assumed that the tomb belonged to a king. In that way, the name of the tomb became “the King’s Tomb”. Today, you can visit this tomb easily on Doğruyol Street.
How to Go to Antiphellos Ancient City?
Antiphellos Ancient City is in Kaş, Antalya, Turkey. Kaş is closer to Fethiye, Muğla. If you come here from Fethiye, Muğla, you should take off at Milas-Bodrum Airport.
- From Milas-Bodrum Airport: Via a hired car, you can come to Kaş in 4 hours.
- From Muğla Autobus Terminal, you can reach Kaş in 4 hours via an intercity service.
If you are coming from Antalya city center:
- Via a hired car, you can reach Kaş in 3 hours.
- Also, you can find a public bus at Antalya Autobus Terminal.
Since Antiphellos is not under the administration of Kaş Municipality, it is open to all visitors at any time and without a fee. These ruins are open to the public at that time.
What are the nearest places to see Antiphellos Ancient City?
It is not a surprise that Lycians found a city in Kaş. This town is like a corner of heaven, with its nice beaches, sunny weather, calm life, etc. When you visit Kaş, or simply Antiphellos Ancient City, swimming on a beach does not an activity that can be missed. For instance, for swimming Kaputaş Beach is the best. Kaputaş Beach is located between two cliffs and has a turquoise sea, and white sand. There are facilities you can meet your needs. Also, many boats drop anchor here to swim. You should not miss swimming in that beautiful place.
You can visit Teknevia for take information about boat rental.
FAQ
- Where is Antiphellos Ancient City?
Antiphellos is in Kaş, Antalya, Turkey.
- What remains are there to see in Antiphellos Ancient City?
Theatre, Rock Tombs, and the King’s Tomb are the remains that you can see today.
- Which civilization had found the ancient city of Antiphellos?
Antiphellos was founded by Lycians. Then, the Romans took the city.
- How to go to Antiphellos Ancient City?
From Fethiye, you can use a hired car or an intercity service. They both make it to reach there in 4 hours. From Antalya Autobus Terminal, there are intercity services that go by Kaş.
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