Antalya Termessos of Turkey

Termessos, The Roman Natural Park

It may take half a day or more to explore one of the most significant sites of its type, The Archeological site of Termessos that lies 30km outside Antalya province, Southern Turkey. The site also named as The Eagle’s Nest and was once erected on a natural platform on about 1000 meters at the south-west side of the Mount Güllük Dağı (Solymos), currently preserved as a natural park, bearing its name, the Mount Güllük-Termessos National Park. Remains include the strong defense walls, temples, Bath/Hammam, Upper Agora, gymnasium, the theatre with a spectacular view and five vast water cisterns carved into the rock, Odeon-Bouleuterion, Hereon (monumental tomb)/ necropolis, Cistern with Five Partitions, Colonnaded Street, and the Corinth Temple.

Architectural Planning of Termessos

It's reported that the people of Termessos referred to themselves as the Solyms, an old Pamphylian tribe, where they spoke with the dialect of Pisidia. Alexander the Great left his sign, however, the city brave people faced his invasion. Termessos could be considered as one of the best-preserved untouched Heritage and Archaeological sites of the ancient cities of Turkey archeological sites. The site high level from the sea level with the magnificent amphitheater gives a panoramic view of the Pamphylia region and the Taurus Mountains. The ruins of the site give us some indications of Six temples in various sizes and purposes were once standing. It takes a 4-5 hours day excursion to hike the site or in the car.

The main highlighted attraction of the site is Termessos Amphitheater, that follows the typical Roman style of architecture, right after passing the walled city. After passing through a short rocky ground the path and passed Hadrian’s Gate from the lower city walls leads to the walled city. The ancient theatre is considerably one of the world's most significant historic sites. Hercules Gate, the triumphal archery structured gate built during the 4th century. The of the Hero Hercules the son of Zeus according to the roman mythology who bears is a half-god/half-human is the reason behind giving the site this name.

The City Remnant

The gate was built in a size preventing the chariots and wheeled vehicles coming from The Magnesian Gate from passing for fortification purpose. Curetes Street Ephesus, between the Hercules Gate and the Celsus Library. The name of Curetes is deprived of priests of Artemis who were believed to help Artemis with new births, who used to serve in the Parthenon The street said to have been decorated with statues with wealthy homes, posh stores, memorials, temples, fountains, porticos. The only statue remained is the statue of a doctor called Alexandros who probably served in the hospital of Ephesus.

The 2nd-century building, The Fountain of Trajan, with several stories about its construction built in the memory of the Roman Emperor Trajan, who role in the pinnacle time of the Romans. at the same site, a Colossal statue of trojan signifying ruling the world while a ball symbolizing the world under his foot. Once you’re finished at the theatre it’s time to explore the rest of the remains of the sprawling city. On the walk to the theatre, you will have passed the baths and gymnasium buildings on the left-hand side of the trail en-route to the colonnaded street. The original hammam/bath building is still standing and you can explore the ruins easily. Make sure to walk through the gymnasium as there is a stunning view across the countryside on the far side.

We would recommend visiting Termessos National Park from Antalya via a Bus, Entrance Fees for the Archeological site is $0.91. The site opens its doors for visitors daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.