Kibyra

The Bathhouse (Hamam) Overlooking The Area

The stadium itself will also knock you off your feet because of its size and location. This stadium giving place to almost 10000 spectators is 197 meters long and reflects the importance and power of Kibyra at that time.

History Of Kibyra

Being conquered by the Romans, Kibyra was before that known as Cibyra Magnum and was the principal city of Cibyratis. Kibyra was an essential city with much military force like infantry and horseriders.

The list of discovered ruins is quite long, a bouleuterion, a fountain, a large stadium, a necropolis, Roman baths, an agora, a theatre and the main street. The archeologic works started in 2006. You can’t keep wondering why it hardly gets any visits when you visit the site.

After seeing the stadium, you might think nothing else can beat this but be assured; the site has other surprises on its sleeve.

Kibyra is more than its Medusa. The main street, for instance, has some exciting features on its sleeve for you. Take a look at that water reservoir and the ceramic pipes of the water system.

Kibyra Theatre

To the north of the Bouleterion, the Theater, which has been well preserved. It dominates the entire landscape.

It is one of the medium-sized ancient theatres in Anatolia with a three-story seating row with a semi-circular plan, a five-door stage building and an audience capacity of about eight thousand people.

The seating areas are reached by two vaulted passages on the sides, the ornate door entirely intact.

The Names On The Theatre Blocks

On the blocks of the walking path dividing the rows of seats horizontally, the names of prominent people of the city and their families are engraved as Hellence of their charitable works for the city.

In addition, the parts where the spectators were sitting were covered with a roof carried by wooden poles to protect against the sun and rain.

The Fountain At Kibyra

The Mosaics At Bouleuterion

Suppose you visit the site out of the summer season. In that case, the jaw-dropping Medusa mosaic in the bouleuterion and the other mosaic floors around the building will be covered with pebbles to protect them from the elements.

So plan your trip with this info in mind if you want to see the stunning Medusa. We visited Kibyra with and without the mosaics protecting pebbles.

The Medusa Mosaic Floor In The Bouleuterion

The archaeologist discovered the Medusa mosaic in 2009. They were astonished by how well preserved 1800 years old mosaic was. The Medusa was 95% intact and made of thin slices of coloured marble plaques.

This technique is called ‘Opus Sectile’, making the Medusa mosaic a unique piece in the world. If you have any doubts about its beauty, this Medusa is really ‘stunning’. I couldn’t stop staring at it.

The Colors Become More Intense When Wet

Last View Of The Medusa

Practical Information

After parking your car at the stadium, there is a walk upon the (sometimes steep) hill to the rest of the site. In summer bring some water with you. Kibyra is a site that rewards its visitors with many beautiful ruins after the climb. Depending on the season you visit, you will be likely the only ones there.

Remember that you can not see the Medusa mosaic all year round, so plan your trip with this info. The Medusa is on display from May until Octaber.

Walking shoes, plenty of water and sun protection are essentials.

Places Nearby

Oenoanda, ancient site famous because of philosopher Dyojen (59km)

Lake Salda, Turkish Maldives (120km)

Keloğlan Cave, for those who are looking for coolness (26km)

Hacı Ömer Ağa Mosque (Yazır Village), hidden corners of Turkey (24km)