Olba
5000 Years Old Cıty
with Slowtravelguide
The Olba state sits in Stoney Cilicia, in the Taurus Mountains. In this day and age, the region covers the west of the Erdemli district in the Province of Mersin. East of the Silifke district.
Olba is about 4km away from Diocaesarea, first called Pranaka. It was a place of worship. Pranaka is located in the town of Uzuncaburc.
5000 Years Old City
Archaeological findings were made from at least 5000 years ago. The Olba Kingdom centre was an important trade point in the Hellenistic Period. During the Christian phase, Olba was an important religious centre.
The Nymphaeum
The Nymphaeum
Olba Theatre
The remains of a theatre, workshops and houses in Olba indicate a vibrant urban life in the city during Roman times.
The Aqueduct
The most conspicuous construction in the Olba site is the 150m long, two-storey high (25m) aqueduct, built in the valley of the Necropolis. Towers defend the trench at either side. There was an inscription saying ‘City Of Olbalilar’. They were dated to the Septimus Severus period.
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private or rental car (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Adana Airport.
Parking: Yes.
Terrain: Easy to medium.
Stroller: No.
Income: Free (Check before you visit).
Facilities: None.
Best Time To Visit: Spring or Fall.
The Aqueduct was commissioned by The Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 199. It was repaired during the administration of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 566.
The archaeological data obtained so far in Olba reflect the three stages in the settlement history, Hellenization, Romanization and Christianization phase.
The Aqueduct At Olba Ancient Site
The remains of many churches and monasteries mark the continuing importance of Olba in the Early Christian period.
The Şeytan Deresi Valley Viewed Through The Aqueduct At Olba Ancient Site
Excavations At Olba Ancient Site
Excavations are still ongoing in the ancient city of Olba. For today, most of the ruins are still under the ground. The most magnificent structure you will see on the site is undoubtedly the aqueduct when you visit the city.
We are looking forward to seeing the artefacts that will come to light when the excavation work is completed.
The Towers
Watchtowers at both sides of the valley are guarding the area.
Olba City Wall Watchtower
One Of The Sarcophagus At Olba Ancient Site
The Necropolis
There are different types of tombs in the necropolis area. There are houses among other ruins in the ancient city, built on a hill.
The Tombs At Olba Ancient Site
The tombs at Olba reflect the city’s living cultural presence and its world of faith.
The Necropolis
The rock and sarcophagus tombs are located at the entrance of the Şeytan Deresi Valley.
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 to our group Turkey Travel Photography on facebook to share your lovely photos or experiences about Turkey.
Practical Information
Since the ancient city is located in nature, there are no facilities around. We recommend that you take snacks and drinks with you. There is no walking path. Excavation work is ongoing. . Do not forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and take sun protection with you if you visit in summer.
1800-Year-Old Mosaic
An 1800-year-old mosaic consisting of three portraits and a cloaked angel was recently found in the Ancient City of Olba. The mosaic, in the form of 16 plates, was moved to the garden of the Silifke Museum Directorate.
On one of the mosaic panels, there are three portraits, a woman and a man in the middle, among the geometric ornaments. The luxurious life of the portraits, defined as Tryphe, Bios and Lucia, is symbolized.(ankaistanbulrestorasyon) (click photo to go to website)
Places Nearby
Diocaesarea, city of God (4km)
Demircili Tombs dates from the Roman Empire Period 2nd and 3rd Centuries AD (25km)
Men Of Rock, an archaeological heritage (24km)
Cambazlı Church, a Byzantine church in Silifke (10km)
Places We Recommend
Magnesia
Magnesia is ideal for those who want to see something beyond the typical sites on everyone’s list or those who have already ticked many places on the Turkish bucket list. (Coming soon)
Anavarza
Anavarza Ancient City, located in Adana Kozan Dilekkaya village is also known as the “invincible city” in history, has critical cultural connections with Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Sassanid and Ottoman civilizations. (Read more)
Alahan Monastery
Alahan Monastery, if you are in the neighbourhood of Silifke, or if you are near Mersin, then Alahan Monastery should be on your list. This ancient site, reasonably unknown by the broad public, is one of these old hidden gems in 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.