Ancient Cities
Tlos
Tlos, 28 km from Fethiye, is one of the oldest settlements of Lycia, known as Dlawa by the Hittites and survived until the 19th century. It is known as the “sports city” of the Lycian Federation and it is believed that the mythological winged horse Pegasus and his hero Belleforontes lived here. Acropolis, Kanlı Ali Aga’s Palace, Stadium, Gymnasium, Palaestra, Bath, theater, necropolis where Belleforontes’ tomb is located are the structures that have survived from Tlos.
The ancient city of Tlos, which is 40 km. away from Fethiye, can be reached via a 12 km road on the Fethiye-Antalya highway, after 22 km, by turning to Kemer Suburb and turning right through the city (Çatallar Village road).
Cadianda
The ancient city of Cadianda is located near Üzümlü, 20 km from Fethiye district center. This 2500 year old ancient city opened its doors to visitors 10 years ago. The structures, which are considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of the Cyclopean walls of ancient times in the world, sports complex, theater, temple-type monumental tomb called Heroon and agora are some of the structures worth seeing in Cadianda.
Pınara
Pinara, the “center of beauty” of Lycia, can be reached from the Fethiye – Kas highway to Minare Village. The sight of countless tombs excavated on the slope of a round hill shaped like a pigeon’s nest is really exciting. A heart-shaped temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite surrounded by heart-shaped columns is perhaps the most interesting structure that makes Pinara worth seeing.
Xanthos
Xanthos, the place where its people committed the first mass suicide in history by not surrendering during the Persian invasion in 546 BC, is known as the first political capital of the Lycian Federated Union. Xanthos, one of the most beautiful ancient cities of Turkey, is located right next to Kınık Village on the Fethiye – Kaş highway. Excavated in 1838 by the British researcher Charles Fellows, the “Monument of the Nereids” and other unique examples of Lycian art are still on display at the British Museum in London.
Letoon
According to historical sources, Letoon, founded in dedication to the Goddess Leto, is the “sacred city” and “religious center” of the Lycian Federated Union. It is known that all the sacred ceremonies of Lycia were held here. Archaeological excavations in 3 temple structures dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo, nympheus, Byzantine church structures, agora and theater are being carried out by the French excavation committee.
