ANEMURIUM
Anatolias’s Southernmost Tip
By Slowtravelguide
ANEMURIUM: ANATOLIA’S SOUTHERNMOST TIP
Anemurium is close to Cape Anamur, the nearest place to Cyprus when you are in Turkey. The southernmost point of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
It gets its name from being blown by the wind on a hot summer day. Well, yes, “anemos” means wind in Greek.
After visiting this place, we found out that this was not a coincidence. In any case, Anemurium provides more than just a cool breeze.
This ancient site offers a unique seaside location and brings many surprises to attentive visitors. Join us in our Anemurium visit.
A view Of Some Of The 350 Tombs In The Necropolis
Anemurium In History
The first settlement of Anemurium dated from the 4th century BC.
Nevertheless, it was not until the 1st and 4th centuries AD that the centre became a magnificent Roman city.
Most of the buildings still visible today can be traced back to that period. Later, during the Byzantine era, the city was still prosperous in the 5th and 6th centuries AD.
After an earthquake around 580 AD and pressure from Arabs and pirates, Anemurium was abandoned in 660 AD.
The Necropolis On The Slope Of The Hill!
Excavations
Anemurium is an active excavation site. Since the first preliminary survey of Roman cemeteries from 1962 to 1965, researchers have realised that in addition to the more than 300 tombs that were mapped, there are more discoveries in the Anemurium.
The topographic map produced also includes the most important buildings of the city.
Partly Restored Church At Anemurium
Excavation work began in 1966 and has been going on almost since then. This is an expansive ancient site, one of the places where discoveries or restorations will undoubtedly reward a return visit, as is the case in Laodicea, Stratonikeia, or Knidos.
In many areas, the team is working. Some are discovering discoveries; others are repairing or cleaning up. This is a fascinating spectacle.
Look At Things From A Different Perspective!
Just A Tiny Part Of The Massive Necropolis
Explore The Ruins Of ANEMURIUM
When you arrive at Anemurium, you first see the Upper Cemetery. Stretching across the hillside, you will notice about 350 independently built tombs of the Roman Empire.
Most of them are simple barrel arched structures, many of which are very well preserved. Inside is an internal tomb, where the dead are placed on arched benches.
The family will gather in the front room to make offerings.
Part Of The Necropolis At Anemurium Seen From The Lower Part Of The City
Spotted A Restored Part Of The Necropolis Church
Today’s partially restored Necropolis Church was later built based on an old church.
The Small Baths At Anemurium
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private, rental car (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Alanya Gazipaşa Airport.
Parking: Yes.
Terrain: Easy.
Stroller: No.
Income: Small fee (museumpass is valid).
Facilities: No.
Best Time To Visit: All year, depending on the weather.
Baths At Anemurium Ancient Site
Several baths are well preserved. The small baths have stunning mosaic-covered domes, while the central baths and public baths allow you better to understand the scale of the city during its heyday.
The history of the public baths dates back to the late 2nd century, with shops and residential areas on the first floor. The impressive staircase still exists today.
The baths are carefully decorated, with frescoes, mosaic floors, and visible traces. Two aqueducts in the city provide water for the baths.
The Upper Floor Of The Public Baths
The Remarkably Well Preserved 900 Seat Odeion
Odeion of Anemurium
The Odeion of Anemurium is the best-preserved in Turkey and one of the best-preserved in the entire pre-Roman Empire.
It dates back to the 2nd century AD and can hold 900 seats to enjoy concerts and recitals, but it may also be used as a parliament building.
Even In Those Parts With Fewer Remains, The Site Is Still Impressive
Final Thoughts On Visiting Anemurium
Anemurium is one of those sites that needs time to reveal its gems when you explore it. The environment on the slopes of Cape Anamur, right down to the natural beach, is unparalleled. This allows every type of tourist to have a pleasant day. You can choose for the full program, work up and down the site, and discover the tombs and civil structures of the cemetery.
Alternatively, you can take a short walk from the parking lot to the beach to see the central and public baths, and after admiring the restored mosaics on the way, stop for a quick selfie in Odeion. No matter what activity you like, Anemurium is worth a visit. Also, don’t forget to combine it with Mamure Castle, which is only a few kilometres away and is said to have been the outer protection castle of Anemurium in its history.
If you have any questions about a place, feel free to ask. You can send us a message through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
You can also join our group Turkey Travel Photography on Facebook to share your lovely photos or experiences about Turkey.
Practical Information
You need to pay a small fee to enter the site. There are plenty of parking spaces on-site but no other facilities, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Places We Recommend
Blaundos
The ancient city of Blaundos sits on a spectacular location, situated on a horseshoe-shaped bend on the top of the hill, surrounded by the Great Usak-Ulubey Canyon. (Read more)
Syedra
If you find yourself looking for an excellent ancient site near Alanya, check out Syedra. This place is best known for its pictures of bathing sites on the coastal slopes of Mount Taurus on the southeastern coastline of Alanya. (Coming soon).
Pergamon
Theatre and three-terraced gymnasium are perfect examples of how existing natural rule can be integrated into urban planning. (Coming soon)
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