Spectacular in the spring with snow on the mountains that stand tall
behind the theater, it’s an interesting Lycian city in Asia Minor, in
the Mediterranean region of Turkey, because of the presence of the
Ottoman fortress of “Bloody Ali” (Kanli Ali in Turkish), a local brigand
in addition to the Lycian and Roman remains.
The 19th century archaeologist Charles Fellows who re-discovered Tlos
in 1838, and several other nearby sites, had this to say about the
approach to Tlos: “The whole ride down this upper valley is beautiful
and varies continually; it’s scenery, on approaching the bold Greek like
situation of the ancient city of Tlos, is strikingly picturesque”.
Nice to approach on foot if you feel up to it. A dolmus (local
transportation by minibus) running along the little road that serves
Xanthos and Saklikent can drop you at the bottom of the access road and
the 4 kilometers (2,5 miles) hike gives you a feeling for the situation
of the city. It’s the sort of site you can take in quickly or linger on
for an afternoon.
Here you can see the tomb of Bellephoron. The carvings on the tomb
represent Tlos’ main claim to archaeological significance. On the slope
of the hill there are several Lycian sarcophagi and some other rock
tombs. Another feature is Yedikapi, The seven doors or gates in Turkish.
Following signs for the Hamam or
Turkish baths
you’ll come to a very dramatic set of seven arches overlooking the
whole valley. Don’t miss the theater. Some charming carvings scattered
about and the backdrop of the mountain range and the valley is hard to
beat for spectacle. Other ruins in the city include a Roman stadium with
a capacity of 2,500 people and a 150 meters-long agora (market) next to
it.
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