Kaunos
More Than Lycian Rock Tombs
with Slowtravelguide
The ancient site Kaunos, near Dalyan, is known for its Lycian rock tombs, carved out the rocks overlooking the Dalyan river. An impressive sight and one of the major tourist attractions in the area. The numerous boat tours which are available are packed with people for a cruise on the river. Unfortunately, only a few leave the boat at the other side of the river to visit the Kaunos, the ancient where the rock tombs are part.
This is a shame because Kaunos is an attractive site. You can easily get on the other side of the river if you visit out of season and negotiate a price for a boat that can take a little tour and bring you to the other side of the river.
Of course, you can use the ferry that sails every 30 minutes (8:00 to 20:00h) and walk the 500m to the site entrance.
Lycian Rock Tombs
Dalyan Rock Tombs
The Kaunos rock tombs, located in the ancient city of Dalyan – Kaunos in the Köyceğiz District of Mugla and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, are located on steep slopes overlooking the Dalyan River. It is known that these magnificent tombs belonged to Kings and nobles.
According to belief, the higher it was, the closer it was to God, and therefore it was dug into the rocks. It is a continuation of a tradition that has existed in Anatolia since.
It is unknown whether the Kaunos people love their Kings very much or because the Kings like to look from a high point of view. Still, it seems that the legends of these tombs that look at Dalyan from a high point of view will continue to circulate from language to language for many more years.
The Temple Terrace And The Circular Altar At Kaunos
Palestra Door Opening To The Harbor Area
Kaunos is one of these sites where it’s not hard to imagine why it was built at this location. People settled here in the 9th century BC. They used the natural bay as a harbor and built the town on the different terraces above the sea and the slopes of the hill.
At first, the Kaunos harbor sat a the seaside, but the sediments of the Dalyan River made it impossible for big boats to reach the harbor. Only boats will a shallow dept can pass through the delta these days. This type of boat is used now to do tours. The entrance of the site is at mid-level, so reaching the harbor means walking down the wooden steps. Going to the Acropolis means climbing up the hill.
The Central Area
At the entrance, the level is different buildings, a Byzantine Church with remains of a lovely mosaic next to it. Further, you can find a Roman Bath, an Acropolis and a Greek Theatre. Most of the organised tours don’t even visit other parts of the site because of time restrictions. They miss out on the most distinct feature of Kaunos, the harbour area.
Look Through The Basilica
Byzantine Basilica
According to sources, the Byzantine Basilica, one of the two churches located in Kaunos and known as the great church, is located right in the middle of the upper terrace of the ruins. It is the oldest and first domed church of Anatolia, and it is known that it was built at the beginning of the XIX century.
This headstone stone is in the memory of Prof. Baki Öğün, who started 50 years ago with the excavation of the Kaunos Site.
The Basilica At Kaunos Ancient Site
Olive Trees Grow In The Greek Theatre
Entrance Of The Kaunos Theatre
Climbing the theatre’s steps is rewarded with a stunning view over the Dalyan delta; as a bonus, the entrance is through a vaulted staircase. Another spot with many photo opportunities.
Greco-Roman Style Theatre
It was built in the Greco-Roman style, and the theatre, consisting of three parts, has a seating capacity of 5000 people. The absence of a Bouleterion or Odeon building in the city after the excavations at Kaunos and the lack of information about it in the inscriptions in the city suggest that the Kaunos Theater was used for assembly meetings, concerts and various competitions.
The Acropolis
You can climb to the Acropolis through a narrow path and again enjoy the view down over the complete site of Kaunos.
The Acropolis, a rocky limestone mass, has an altitude of 152 m above the sea.
View Of Kaunos
The Harbor Area
At the time of our visit, the harbor area had several submerged areas, adding to the unique feeling Kaunos gives you. The Circular Altar and the Hellenistic Fountain are fascinating, but the stunning backdrop of the silted delta and the Taurus Mountains only adds to it beauty. Kaunos is a historical site that will appeal to many people, even non-history lovers.
The Temple Terrace And The Circular Altar
The Temple was built during the second half of the 1 Century BC.
The round structure consists of three main sections: the exterior collonaded gallery, the exedra and the round altar resting on a cylinder base at the centre …
… There is no entrance, and this round structure is probably a sanctuary dedicated to the city’s founder.
However, a sacred stone (Baitylos) was discovered 6.5m below the central axis of the altar, which suggests that this area was already in use as a sacred area by the end of the 5th century BC.
This sacred stone, 3.5m high, has a pyramidal form and was the symbol of the city of Kaunos.
Inside The Altar
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private, rental car or ferry from Dalyan town (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Dalaman Airport.
Parking: Parking 300m from the entrance.
Terrain: Easy but some climbing to the Acropolis.
Stroller: No.
Income: Yes (Museumpass is valid).
Facilities: Little museum shop.
Best Time To Visit: All year, depending on the weather.
Birds-view Of The Harbor Area
The Hellenistic Fountain House
After the excavations and examinations, it was understood that the water was brought to the monumental fountain dedicated to Vespasian from the Deregözü area, which is 4km away from the bird’s flight.
The Customs Ordinance of Kaunos was written on the blocks on the west side of the monumental fountain facing the port. According to this order, the Kaunians applied various incentives to increase trade by sea.
All The Beauty Of The Kaunos Ancient Site
Hellenistic Fountain House
Practical Information
Most people visit Kaunos from Dalyan. Alternatively, you can make Köyceğiz your base and plan your trip from there. Köyceğiz has a relaxed atmosphere, mostly Turkish tourists, so the prices are very affordable. Several offer boat trips from the small port of Köyceğiz. You can even request a moonlight ride if you want to make it special!
Almost right next to Kaunos is Çandır, where you will find basket houses. Go for a swim to Iztuzu (Turtle Beach)
If you are exploring a wider area, be sure to include a day in Marmaris.
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.
Places Nearby
Iztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach (4 km)
Lake Köyceğiz the non tourıstıc gate to Kaunos (14 km)
Toparlar Waterfalls max 15 min. walk to a paradise waterfall (19 km)
The Secret Valley is a hidden valley in Dalaman’s hinterland (19 km)
Places We Recommend
Iassos
Iassos, is an often forgotten ancient site near the Bodrum Peninsula. Being probably more than 4000 years old, it was a prosperous town; the fishing trade generated its primary income. (Read more)
Knidos
Knidos is one of these ancient sites who have a lot of attractive features to them. The setting is spectacular, there is a lighthouse (always favourite with me), there are two harbors for the price of one :-), and as a bonus there are different appealing stories to tell about it. (Read more)
Side
Are you looking for a lot of different things in a holiday resort? Do you like to experience the cultural atmosphere, the charm of the old town, and the fashionable wine and delicacies at a romantic seaside dinner? If this sounds like your happy place, go to Side, Turkey!. (Read more)
© 2016-2022 All rights reserved by slowtravelguide.net.
The content of this website is copyright protected and the property of slowtravelguide.net.No part of this website may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the copyright owner.
Copyright ©2016-2022 Tüm hakları saklıdır. Bu (slowtravelguide.net.) web sitesinin içeriği koruma altındadır ve slowtravelguide.net.Buradaki hiçbir içerik (yazı,fotoğraf,video vb.) izinsiz olarak kopyalanamaz, alıntı yapılamaz,başka yerde yayınlanamaz.