Lyrbe
And Its Fascinating Agora
with Slowtravelguide
Maybe the name Lyrbe doesn’t ring a bell at all?
This is your chance to get to know the spectacular ancient site in the forests of the Taurus Mountains.
Welcome To Lyrbe And Its Spectacular Collonaded Street
The Agora And Colonnaded Street
Lyrbe = Seleukeia?
At first, wrongly identified as Seleukeia, the earliest archaeological finds at Lyrbe are much older and from the Classical Period. Seleukeia dates from the Hellenistic Period and later had a harbour. It is assumed that this city was probably along the coast west of Side. Today’s visible remains date back to Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine times.
Excavations In Lyrbe
Professor Jale İnan, who led excavations in Perge and Side, conducted the archaeological research in Lyrbe from 1972 to 1979.
It is now generally accepted that the site above Side is probably Lyrbe.
Most sculptures and mosaics discovered at the first excavation project went to the Antalya Archeological Museum. More recent occasional findings are displayed at the nearby Side Archeological Museum.
Inscriptions indicate that the same people settled Lyrbe as the citizens of Side.
The Agora Street
The Two-story Agora
Of course, the building at Lyrbe that stands out the most is the two-story Agora. It’s is one of the best-preserved in that region. The Agora complex was built in the 2nd Century BC in the Hellenistic period. More buildings were added during the Roman period and in the four and 5th centuries.
The Back Of The Circular Odeon In Agora
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private or rental car (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Antalya Airport.
Parking: Yes, next to the site.
Terrain: Easy to medium.
Stroller: No.
Income: Free.
Facilities: No.
Best Time To Visit: April, May, September, October
The Entrances Of Agora
There are six entrance gates in the Agora. It was surrounded by collonaded galleries of the Doric and Ionic order. There was a library, exedra (a semicircular architectural recess or platform), and two-storied buildings on the North.
A semicircular odeon on the Eastside with wooden seats and several shops. Also visual is the footprint of an early Christian chapel on the Northwest side.
The Agora In All Its Glory
Colonnaded Street
Mosaics At Lyrbe
Several mosaic tiles on the galley floors were displayed at the Antalya Archeological Museum (mosaics of Orpheus and one depicting the Seven Sages of Antiquity); the remaining ones are covered up.
Lyrbe Storage Room
Remains of the mosaics can still be seen below the second gallery, where there is a storage space accessible from the forest side. It makes the ancient side only more magical when visiting.
Attractive Chaos At The Storage Room
A Flying Saucer?
Beyond The Lyrbe Agora
Of course, there is more to see in Lyrbe than the amazing Agora. The location is perfect for a nice hike with the lush green forest and spectacular views. Take a walk around Lyrbe, and you will discover several ancient pearls. The city walls, a Hamam, some cisterns, two temples and many houses. Not everything is well-preserved but still worth seeing.
Buildings Surrounding The Agora
Inside A Temple
One Of The Temples Interior
Architectural Pearls Of Lyrbe
To round up, we can tell you that Lyrbe deserves a visit. More than that, we strongly recommend it with its architectural pearls and the inviting nature.
Aqueduct Near Lyrbe
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Practical Information
Plan your visit early in the day or late afternoon or go out of season; being there on your own only adds to the magic.
When driving up to the site, you can make a stop at the remains of an aqueduct and a bridge. Because some of the artefacts found in Lyrbe are on display at the museum in Side, you can also pay a visit there.
Hiking shoes and water are essential things.
Roman Bridge Near Lyrbe
Places Nearby
Ormana, an attractive village in Antalya (24km)
Side, the tourist resort with the Side ancient site (15km)
Aspendos, the spectacular theatre and ancient site (28km)
Sarıhacılar Village, walk the silk road (31km)
Places We Recommend
Gerga
This stunning mountain and its boulder rock formations are enough for you to plan a hike in the area, but adding Gerga to your walk can add a touch of culture and perhaps even mysticism to your day. (Coming soon)
Kremna
Sometimes explaining an ancient site’s name is not easy, but Kremna’s case is straightforward. A visit to the site will clarify why Kremna is the ancient Greek for Cliff. (Read more)
Pınara
When visiting Pinara, the words that come to mind are untouched, undiscovered, mysterious and serene. Another off the beaten track destination is often overlooked when visiting nearby Xanthos. (Coming soon)
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