Olympos Ancient City
Mediterranean Region
Olympos Ancient City, also known as Olympus, is a historic Lycian city located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. It was a significant port city with a medium-sized urban center spread along a creek flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. Renowned as one of the six cities of the Lycian League with three votes, Olympos thrived economically and culturally during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The city’s layout reflects its maritime connections and trade importance, featuring fortification walls, a theatre, and remnants of a bridge. In the 1st century BC, it became a pirate refuge under the leader Zeniketes until captured by Roman forces. Later, it flourished briefly as a Byzantine bishopric before abandonment after Arab raids. Today, visitors can explore the ruins nestled in lush nature, including the acropolis, city walls, and a canalized river. The site is also famous for the nearby Chimera Fire, an eternal natural flame linked to local mythology, offering a unique blend of history and natural wonder. Olympos remains a peaceful destination with pristine beaches and serves as a natural conservation area, notably as a spawning ground for Caretta caretta turtles.
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Tip: The best time to visit Olympos is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the site is less crowded. It is recommended to spend at least one night near the Chimera Fire to experience its mystical glow after dark. Visitors should consider purchasing the MüzeKart for discounted access to Olympos and other Turkish museums. The site is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, with the ticket office closing at 16:30. Comfortable walking shoes are advised due to uneven terrain and dense vegetation around the ruins.
Interesting facts
- •Olympos was once a pirate refuge led by Zeniketes before Roman conquest.
- •The city had three votes in the Lycian League, indicating its regional importance.
- •The city’s fortification walls were built using polygonal masonry techniques predating Roman Imperial times.
- •The nearby Chimera Fire is a natural eternal flame that has been burning for thousands of years, inspiring local mythology.
- •Olympos is a natural conservation area and a spawning ground for endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles.
History
Founded in the 3rd century BC, Olympos was a key member of the Lycian League, holding three votes in its council.
In the 1st century BC, it became a pirate stronghold under Zeniketes until Roman commander Publius Servilius Vatia besieged and captured it in 78 BC, leading to its temporary expulsion from the League.
The city was later readmitted and regained prominence in the 2nd century AD.
Architectural remains, including polygonal masonry fortifications predating the Roman Imperial period, attest to its earlier Hellenistic phase.
Olympos flourished again as a bishopric in the early Byzantine era but was abandoned following Arab raids.
Place Guide
AcropolisHellenistic period
Situated on a high hill, the acropolis offers panoramic views of the ancient city and surrounding valley. It was a key defensive and administrative center in antiquity.
Fortification WallsBefore 76 BC
Constructed using polygonal masonry, these walls enclosed the southern part of the city and predate the Roman Imperial period, reflecting the city’s early defensive architecture.
Roman TheatreRoman Imperial period
A well-preserved theatre that was a cultural hub for the city’s inhabitants during the Roman period, hosting performances and gatherings.
Bridge Street and Canalized RiverRoman Imperial period
Bridge Street was a main thoroughfare laid out during Roman times, running alongside a river that was transformed into a canal with retaining walls, highlighting the city’s adaptation to its natural environment.
Chimera Fire
A natural eternal flame fueled by methane gas emissions from underground, the Chimera Fire has been burning for millennia and is tied to local myth and legend.
Contact
Phone: (0242) 892 13 25
