{"id":223,"date":"2021-02-15T12:53:41","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T11:53:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/antalyatouristinformation.com\/d\/?page_id=223"},"modified":"2021-06-20T21:55:56","modified_gmt":"2021-06-20T19:55:56","slug":"phaselis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/antalyatouristinformation.com\/d\/things-to-do\/history\/phaselis\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Ancient City of Phaselis in Antalya: History & Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phaselis is not only a historically rich place to visit, it’s also a beautiful national park to enjoy on a sunny day. Indeed, in the Tekirova district of Antalya, the ancient city of Phaselis is a true natural beauty, where historical ruins are waiting for you to discover under the shade of pine trees. <\/p>\n

Phaselis was one of the most important cities of the Lycian League. The Roman ruins are well preserved and the three harbors of the ancient city are used as beaches today. <\/p>\n

In this article, you will find all the important information you need to know before visiting these important 2600-year-old remains.<\/p>\n

\"Aqueduct<\/span><\/p>\n

What Can I Do in Phaselis?<\/h2>\n

Phaselis is one of the most popular day trip destinations in the area with a natural bay and historical ruins.<\/p>\n

The word “Phaselis” means “the place protected by Gods” in Ancient Greek. Most of the ruins in Phaselis date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods.<\/p>\n

\"Ruins<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ancient City of Phaselis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Here are some of the different parts of the ancient city you will see:<\/p>\n

Protection Walls:<\/strong> The walls surround the city from the sea to protect it from pirate attacks.<\/p>\n

Aqueducts: <\/strong>The length of the aqueduct is about 450 m. The Aqueducts are the oldest structures that have survived until today in Phaselis.<\/p>\n

Hadrian’s Arch:<\/strong> The harbor street connects the middle and south harbors. Hadrian’s Arch is located at the south entrance of the street. The fancy gate was built to welcome Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 131. The support legs of Hadrian’s Arch still remains in-situ on the main street. There is a dedication inscription to Hadrian on the architrave blocks of the arch. There is also an agora next to the south harbor. Read our article about Hadrian’s Arch<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Roman Baths:<\/strong> There are of two Roman bath complexes in Phaselis, one small and the other large. Both complexes date back to 3rd century and used the hypocaust system.<\/p>\n

Latrina:<\/strong> The Latrina is located to the north of the small bath and dates back to the 3rd century. Its floor is covered with mosaics.<\/p>\n

Theatre:<\/strong> The small theatre is characteristic of a typical Hellenistic Period theater. From the remains its possible to tell that the stage building was added during the Roman period. The Hellenistic theater dates back to 2nd century, although there is a large possibility that there was a theater here before this. It has the capacity to hold about 1,500 spectators.<\/p>\n

 Basilica:<\/strong> Opposite the theater, you can see the remains of a small basilica that dates back to the Byzantine period. It’s controversial whether the basilica here was a congregation or an episcopal church.<\/p>\n

Acropolis: <\/strong>The main goddess of the city was Athena, the Goddess of War and Wisdom<\/strong><\/em>. The Temple of Athena and some other important structures, that have not been found yet, are thought to be located on the acropolis hill today.<\/p>\n

\"Phaselis<\/span><\/p>\n

Phaselis Beach<\/h3>\n

Phaselis Beach is a great option for families with kids because it has shallow, warm water. There are 3 different bays: the North Bay, the Ancient Bay, and the South Bay.<\/strong> The geographer Strabon mentioned these harbors. The three beaches here were used as a ports in ancient times.<\/p>\n

If you dive, you can see the remains under the water. Make sure to bring a snorkel and mask when packing for Phaselis<\/span>. <\/strong><\/p>\n