History

Phaselis Ancient City was founded by Rhodian colonists in the 7th century BC on a small peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea. According to the founding myth, the colonists offered corn or dried fish to the local people, and the people responded with a request for fish.

Geographical Location

Phaselis is located between the regions of Lycia and Pamphylia. It has three harbors, one on the north of the peninsula, another on the northeast, and one on the southwest coast. The ship depictions on the city's harbors, agora, and coins emphasize its status as a commercial port city.

Historical Development

Phaselis has been under various dominations including the Persian, the satrap Kayra, King Mausolus of Lycia, and Pericles of Lmyra. One of its most important moments was welcoming Alexander the Great in 333 BC with a golden laurel. After changing hands several times, Phaselis came under Roman rule. The Roman period marked a period of reconstruction and centuries of prosperity for the city. After the Byzantine period, it was eventually abandoned due to earthquakes and loss of the harbor's functionality.

Places to Visit

Phaselis Ancient City has reached our day with Roman and Byzantine period ruins. The ruins flanking both sides of the main street, which forms the city's main axis, reveal important structures. The theater, agora, baths, and aqueducts offer visitors a cultural and historical journey. The acropolis hill of Phaselis is believed to contain the Athena Temple and other structures that have yet to be discovered.

How to Get There

Phaselis Ancient City is located in the Tekirova district, which is part of the Kemer district of Antalya. The city is 15 km away from Kemer and 60 km away from Antalya. Those who prefer air travel can fly to Adnan Menderes Airport and then reach Phaselis, which is approximately 75 km away, by road. There are also regular minibus services from Kemer.