Ancient City of Xanthos

The ancient city of Xanthos, which is located within the borders of the Kınık town of Antalya and whose reputation extends all over the world, is located 45 kilometers from the center of Kas, 20 kilometers from Kalkan and 235 kilometers from the coast of Antalya. The most interesting parts of this ancient settlement, which was built on two hills next to the Xanthos River or Eşen stream, are the Roman Acropolis in the north and the Lycian Acropolis, which is surrounded by walls. Xanthos, whose name is mentioned in the Lycian inscriptions as ARNNA, was also the administrative center of the Lycian Union at the time. The first discovery date of the ancient city of Xanthos, which was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO as a result of excavations in the region, dates back to 1838. It is worth mentioning that many of the archaeological artifacts unearthed here are on display at the British Museum in London. The most interesting structure of the ancient city of Xanthos, located on the Fethiye – Kas highway and 46 km from Muğla Fethiye district center, is undoubtedly the theatre of the Roman period on the northern slope of the Lycian Acropolis. In fact, let us remind you that the most remarkable ruins of the ancient city are also close to the theatre. In the large square-shaped area just at the end of the theater, there were shopping shops at the time. You should also see the Agora of the Roman period, surrounded by shops. The ancient city of Xanthos can be visited between April 15 and October 2 at 08:30 – 19:30, between October 3 – April 14 at 08:30 – 17:30 hours, the first days of religious holidays, the entrance is allowed only until noon. The work started by the French in 1950 and taken over by the excavation team of the Archaeological Department of Akdeniz University in 2011 is still ongoing.