Phaselis Örenyeri

About Phaselis Örenyeri

Phaselis sits on a small peninsula reaching into the Mediterranean near Tekirova in Kemer. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism says it was founded as a port city in the 7th century BC and had three harbours: the North Harbour, the Central (or War) Harbour and the South Harbour. For a long time it was the busiest port in eastern Lycia and lived mainly from sea trade, and its coins carried images of ships. Its strategic position made it a prize. Phaselis was ruled by the Persians before opening its gates to Alexander the Great, who stayed for a month, and later spent a period under the control of pirates. The Roman emperor Hadrian visited in 129 AD. In the Byzantine period it became a bishopric, but like many cities in the region it lost its importance and was abandoned in the early 13th century. The ruins are shaded by pine woods that run down to the sea, and there is a beach beside the site. Near the harbours stand the sea walls built against pirate raids. A paved main street about 25 metres wide links the South Harbour with the city centre, lined with Roman and Byzantine remains. Other sights include the aqueduct that brought water from Tahtalı Dağı, a large and a small bath (the smaller one shows how Roman baths were heated), a monumental fountain, the theatre and the gate built at the South Harbour in honour of Hadrian's visit. The site is open every day. When checked in November 2026 the Ministry listed hours of 08:00 to 17:00, with the ticket office closing at 16:30; hours change by season. MüzeKart is valid for Turkish citizens.