Kyaneai
Lycian Way Detour Near Kaş
By Slowtravelguide
We admit that when we first passed the sign to Kyaneai along the Kaş-Antalya road, we had to read it three times to try to understand the word. Fortunately, another sign gave us a glimpse of the word again, at the second signpost a few kilometres later. Yes, we were right; the sign says Kyaneai.
Once familiar with the word, you realise it; it’s not even a tricky word, but at first glance, it is confusing as a signpost. In any case, we were curious and quickly checked what was behind this fascinating signpost. It turns out that this is a Lycian site.
In addition, the Lycian site has the most sarcophagus among all the Lycian sites. To be precise, close to 400. It’s time to visit Kyaneai near Kaş and Kekova.
There’s Beauty In Everything
The Views At Kyaneai Are Dramatic
A Bit Of History
According to researchers from the University of Tübingen, who have been actively studying Kyaneai, people abandoned the city in the 14th century and have been almost inhabited since the 5th century BC. Several classical relics found at the site support the theory that the city is an important part, and possibly the most crucial part, of a group of Dynasts houses in the Yavu mountain region.
Many Lycian sarcophagi and rock tombs are part of these remains.
Rock Cut Tombs At Kyaneai
Green Setting Of The Theatre
In the 4th century AD, during the early Hellenistic period, Kyaneai became the centre of the city-state territory. The relatively well-preserved theatre and city walls can be traced back to that period.
Kyaneai In A Nutshell
We Just Love Places Like This!
Other remains at Kyaneai consist of a bath complex, a market hall that was reclaimed as a church, and some other poorly preserved constructions. These remains from the Roman Imperial Period are mostly overgrown with dense and spiny vegetation, and sometimes totally inaccessible.
One Of The Few Still Standing Constructions At Kyaneai
Like A Street Sided By Sarcophagi
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private, rental car (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Antalya Airport.
Parking: Yes, in the Yavu village.
Terrain: Medium.
Stroller: No.
Income: Free.
Facilities: No.
Best Time To Visit: All year, depending on the weather.
Suppose you feel that you have visited all the main attractions in the surrounding area of Kaş, or you are particularly interested in Lycian history or sarcophagi. In that case, Kyaneai is an excellent place to stay. Although the site is relatively extended, it is mainly composed of hundreds of sarcophagi scattered in the natural environment of the theatre. The history of the sarcophagi can be traced back to the 4th century BC, by the time of the Roman Empire.
Nonetheless, Kyaneai is worth visiting, especially if you like alternative places. You will undoubtedly have the place to yourself, not counting the shepherd and his goats. This place is located on the Yavu Plain, and the scenery extends to Kekova, which is very peaceful.
There’s Always Something Special Going On When Water Is Around
The Only Other Company You’ll Probably Have Are Goats
Practical Information
You will only see signs along the main road Kaş – Antalya. After that, you are on your own. You can drive to Kyaneai, but please ensure your tires meet the requirements. The terrain is very rugged. The easiest way to find the correct route is to go to Kyaneai from the first signpost, starting from Kaş. Keep driving along that road, even if it becomes a muddy trail, and keep to the right at the intersection of the two streets. Alternatively, you can park your car in Yavu Village and reach Kyaneai on foot in less than an hour.
In any case, be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks. Good walking shoes and advanced sun protection are a must. Considering that you need to conquer quite a lot of thorn bushes to get close to some ruins, pants are recommended. Not all fascinating rock tombs can be accessed up close without destroying certain body parts; nonetheless, they can be admired from a distance, especially if you bring binoculars.
Ionic Temple Rock Cut Tomb At Kyaneai
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Places Nearby
Simena and the sunken city of Kekova paradise exist! (10 km)
Surprising Sura & its unusual fish oracle (11 km)
Andriake is one of the fun things to do in Kalkan (13 km)
Where is Santa Claus? In Saint Nicholas church in Turkey! (15 km)
Why Myra goes beyond the Medusa selfies (15 km)
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