{"id":296,"date":"2021-02-15T14:30:44","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T13:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/antalyatouristinformation.com\/d\/?page_id=296"},"modified":"2021-06-20T22:35:48","modified_gmt":"2021-06-20T20:35:48","slug":"yanartas-chimaera","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/antalyatouristinformation.com\/d\/things-to-do\/history\/yanartas-chimaera\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Yanarta\u015f (Chimaera) in Olympos: Access, Tours, and History"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yanarta\u015f is about 1.5 km from C\u0131ral\u0131 in Kemer and approximately 55 km south of Antalya. It’s located on the Lycian Way<\/strong><\/a>, a popular trail for hikers and walkers.<\/p>\n

Yanartas, whose ancient name was “Khimera”, has always been a sacred place throughout history<\/strong>. It is generally believed that Yanarta\u015f is the ancient Mount Chimaera,<\/strong> where the Olympic fire was lit for the first time.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll share all the useful information you need to know before visiting Yanarta\u015f<\/strong> (Chimaera), including how to get there, tourist tips, history, and tours.<\/p>\n

\"\u00e7\u0131ral\u0131<\/span><\/p>\n

What Can I Do in Yanarta\u015f (Chimaera)?<\/h2>\n

There is a 5th century church<\/strong> at the entrance of the site. Yanarta\u015f is at the top of the hill and can be reached from the entrance of the ruins with a slightly inclined pathway<\/strong> in about half an hour. This pathway is shaded by trees. From time to time you can stop and watch the beauty of the valley and the \u00c7\u0131ral\u0131 coast. The legendary volcanic field<\/strong> is worth the effort.<\/p>\n

What are some other activities in Yanarta\u015f?<\/p>\n

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

Eternal Flame of Yanarta\u015f (Chimaera)<\/h2>\n

Yanarta\u015f has a permanent fire caused by methane emissions<\/strong>. This fire that never extinguishes in the large volcanic area has been burning since ancient times and is just 100 m. above the city ruins.  <\/p>\n

The Flames are created by cracks in a natural gas reservoir <\/strong>that reach the surface of the earth. These cracks were formed by earthquakes. The fire, which was once more powerful, later turned into more flames with less power. It is most impressive to watch the faint flames when it gets dark.<\/p>\n

\"C\u0131ral\u0131<\/span><\/p>\n

Temple of Hephaestus<\/h3>\n

Immediately below the fires are the remains of the Temple of Hephaestus<\/strong>, the Greek god who was associated with fire, through his role as the gods’ blacksmith. Hephaistos was the chief god of the city of Olympos in the Roman Period. <\/strong>Hephaistos was the ugly and crippled son of Zeus and Hera in mythology. Ashamed of the child, Hera threw him down from the Mount Olympos.<\/p>\n

According to another legend, Hephaistos was thrown down the mountain and injured by Zeus<\/strong>, who was angry at him for taking his mother’s side in an argument. After that, Hephaistos was engaged in blacksmithing and improved himself, and began to make very valuable weapons and jewelry for many gods. He made a throne for his mother and brought it to Olympos. When Hera sat on this throne, the throne took her captive. Only when Zeus stepped in, Hephaestus finally released Hera and descended from Mount Olympos as the God of Blacksmiths.<\/p>\n

Some inscriptions and altar remains from <\/strong>this temple have survived to the present day, but a basilica was built over the temple in the Byzantine Period after the beginning of Christianity. There are also other structures from the Byzantine period in the region. <\/p>\n

The fountain structure<\/strong> from the Roman period is another important ruin. There are 2 more places where you can find fire is burning in the area.<\/p>\n

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

Entrance, Tickets, and Tours<\/h2>\n