Phaselis Ancient City

Phaselis Ancient City

Phaselis, an important port city with a rich historical past, was established in 693 BC. The city has ruins from the Roman and Byzantine eras, including a well-preserved theatre, aqueducts, agoras, and baths. A visit to Phaselis starts with a stroll on the sandy beaches that line the bay, which offer shade from the sun's heat thanks to the pines and cedars that line the cloistered harbor. The city's ancient atmosphere alone is worth a visit, but its popularity as a holiday destination has grown due to its proximity to the sea. In September, visitors can attend evening performances at the landmark theatre during the Arts festival.

Phaselis Ancient City

Phaselis, established before other port cities, quickly became one of the most important cities in the Lycian Union due to its strategic location for trading activities. However, piracy and the decline of farming weakened the city until the Roman Empire intervened to bring stability to the region. During the Byzantine period, Phaselis became a bishopric and retained its importance until the 3rd century AD, after which it began to decline.

Remnants of the ruins primarily date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods and are situated along a main axis that connects to north-south ports. The theater, a typical small-sized Hellenistic period theater, is accessed by steps at each corner. The Temple of Athena and other significant buildings remain buried in the Acropolis Hill, which is now covered with forests.

Phaselis is often confused with cities of Lycian or Pamphylian origin, but its geographic location indicates its importance as a port city. The city was abandoned from the 12th century onward due to damage sustained during the siege of Seljuks. Nevertheless, the ancient city of Phaselis, included on UNESCO's Tentative List in 2009, remains one of Turkey's remarkable universal values.