Termessos – Saklikent – Karain & Kocain Caves

Monday, 09 December 2013 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

Termessos – Another significant ancient site, "Termessos," is located approximately 30 km west-northwest of Antalya within the national park.

Termessos is situated on Mount Güllük (Solymos; 1,650 m above sea level)—no longer within the region of Pamphylia, but rather on Pisidian soil.

The origins of this settlement remain unexplored to this day (it served as a Pisidian mountain fortress). Alexander the Great is said to have besieged it in vain. The ruins found there today date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Notable features include the theatre, the agora, a gymnasium, several colonnaded halls, and numerous tombs. The excavation site is reached via a mountain road (with the final 2 km or so requiring a walk), and from this elevated vantage point, visitors enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Antalya.

Saklikent – Winter Sports Centre

In recent years, a—currently small—winter sports centre has developed in the northern Bey Mountains, surrounding the village of Saklikent (1,850 m above sea level). Located approximately 70 km west of Antalya (accessible via Çakırlar), the centre sits at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,400 meters; while its ski lift operations are modest, it already boasts a high guest accommodation capacity (exceeding 2,500 beds).

Termessos – Karain Cave and the Surrounding Area

Near Döşemealtı, within the karst landscape of Mount Sam (Sam Dağı)—27 km northwest of Antalya—lies the prehistoric Karain Cave. Archaeological finds spanning every phase from the Paleolithic through the Mesolithic periods have been unearthed here, including bones and teeth of Neanderthals. Many of these artifacts are on display in the informative museum located on the premises. Kocain Cave

Nestled deep within the Karst Mountains, this cave is situated 45 km north of Antalya, near the village of Ahirtas. It is accessible from the road to Burdur—a few kilometres past Dösemalti—by heading northeast via Karatas (or alternatively via Kovanlik, Camilikoy, and Kilik), followed by a two-hour walk. Explored by K. Kökten, this karst cave—distinguished by its colossal stalagmites—measures 600 meters in length, 35 meters in height, and 75 meters in width; archaeological findings indicate that it was inhabited during prehistoric times.

Both caves are well worth a visit, and we therefore highly recommend including them in your itinerary.

Please also read:

Pisidia - Pamphylia and Lycia to the south

Aspendos – The Roman Aqueduct near Manavgat