More than a few Lycian tombs congregate on the Mountain just south of the centre of Fethiye in the Mugla Province of what is modern day Turkey. The highest and largest of the Tombs was built in 350 BC when Fethiye was known as Telmessos, one of the city-states that formed Lycia. An inscription on the side of the tomb reads “Amyntou tou Ermagiou” – The Tomb of Amyntas.
A set of stairs leads directly to the Tomb from the road below. There is a sometimes manned ticket booth near the base of the stairs. Entrance Fee was 10tl in September 2013.
Amyntas’ tomb was raided long ago and has been graffitied, but it’s grandeur shines through. The structure is solid and within you can see where the body would have lain.
A tour group finished their day with sunset wine and snacks overlooking the Agean Sea. To appreciate the view over a meal try the roof top restaurant in the street below.
To the lower left of the Tomb of Amyntas are a mass of smaller rock tombs. They have no access but can be viewed from the road beneath on the way to old Fethiye.
The modern day vista from the tomb is pretty special. I wonder what it looked like in 350 BC.
We caught a taxi from the harbour to the Tombs as it was late on our last day in Fethiye, then walked back to the town area for dinner. The streets below were interesting with Lycian stone sarcophagi from 450BC sprinkled here and there.
Fethiye has another roman ruin to visit – the 6000 seat Telmessos Roman Theatre behind the central harbour. It is free to visit but has only been partially restored.
As well as the beautiful harbour and interesting boat trips, Fethiye has great weather and good food. Turkeys for Life is the blog to read for everything Fethiye.
This blog is linked to Nancies’ Travel Photo Thursday over at Budget Travelers Sandbox.
Boating Clouds and Sunsets at Morris Creek South of Townsville
Oh, Jan this is one place I’ve wanted to visit in Turkey. Your photos are amazing. I felt I was standing right there in front of the tomb. I’m fascinated by the very ancient sarcophigi that are on the street. You would think that an artifact as old as that would be in the museum. Well, I guess that makes the street an ope-air museum. Excellent post.
There were more in the area too Marisol. We saw a lot of Sarcophigi south of Kas as well, but they were on a hill and in the water not in the town.
I have been to Fethiye in Turkey and didn’t realize this existed. I’m sorry I missed. That view over Fethiye Harbour is to die for! Thanks for bringing this to us.
They are so impressive, yet I don’t think I would have seen them if we hadn’t gone looking for them, either Kathy.
Those tomb entrances are so imposing set into the stone like that. What a view from up there, too! I wonder if anyone tries to scale the walls up to those less accessible tombs.
I bet the local kids hang out there all the time Michele 🙂
Wow..those are some grand ruins. Beautiful photos, Jan and you really captured the magnitude of this tomb. I’d love to enjoy some sunset wine and enjoy the Aegean Sea from up there someday.
Yes, I am annoyed I did not think of wine and cheese up there Mary 🙂
What a beautiful spot! I’d love to know more about the history of this place.
Wonderful place with such interesting structure,
Turkey is a land with so many amazing sights to see! Thank you for this look at an ancient cliff side tomb, Jan.
I’m marveling at this ancient tomb and the beautiful sweeping view of the Aegean from up there! Makes me itch to visit Turkey…
Turkey has so many sights like this Catherine. I recommend Turkey to everyone. 🙂