Ancient Sites in Alanya to visit (for free)
The region of Alanya and Gazipaşa is scattered with ruins and ancient cities. They are the remains that – often overgrown with trees and plants – show the rich past of this Mediterranean Region. We have selected 4 free ancient sites in Alanya and the area.
Syedra
On a mountain top about 20 km east of Alanya lie the ruins of Syedra, a beautiful site to wander around. Excavations and historical research has shown that Syedra has been inhabited at least since the 7th century BC until the thirteenth century AD. Many artefacts found during excavations – like the coins they produced at Syedra – are displayed in Alanya Museum.
Naula
One of the other ancient sites in Alanya is Naula. It lies in the middle of the town of Mahmutar, surrounded by high, residential buildings. Little is known about it and although most of the remains are in questionable state, it’s a nice area to wander around. There are structures of ancient walls, a theatre, a colonnaded street and two fountains. The most interesting ruins in Naula are the remains of four early Christian churches.
İotape
Along the road to Gazipaşa, some 30km east of Alanya, you’ll find the remains of the ancient port town İotape. İotape was established by the last king of Commagene Antiochus IV, who reigned from 38 to 72 BC. He named the city after his wife, Iotapa. The most interesting ruins can be found close to the sea. Fundaments of the acropolis can be seen on the peninsula hill that divides two bays. Also traces of ancient structures like walls and roads are visible.
Antiocheia Ad Cragum
An amazing site that has been excavated extensively since 2004 is Antiocheia Ad Cragum, situated in the village of Güney, 12km from the centre of Gazipaşa. The remains are well preserved and visitors can identify baths, a colonnaded street with gateway, a large basilica, monumental tombs, and a temple. In 2012 a huge mosaic dating to the Roman period was excavated. Ancient sources mention that Antiochia was once an important Roman commercial centre and also the seat of a Christian bishopric during the Byzantine era.