Patara

Arch Of Mettius Modestus And Sarcophagus

Most Authentic Form Of Beach Culture!

The phrase is written for Patara. Honestly, it’s hard to say which is the most impressive, the unspoiled beach or the adjoining ruins. There’s a good reason this beach is so pristine: it’s two times a protected area. The entire beach is protected due to the resident (and protected) loggerhead turtles and also because it is a category one archaeological site.

Magical Sunsets At Patara Beach

Gelemiş, the village behind Patara Beach, has not caught the attention of any travel agency. The entire atmosphere is understated, with local and family-run businesses offering charming accommodation and locally produced food. The only artificial objects on the beach are small wooden cafes by Belediye (the local government).

On top of that, you’re ready to head to 12 kilometres of pristine beaches.

Archaeological Beauty: Ancient Patara

Why not take a cultural photo while you’re tanning? Take a walk around the Patara ruins. You can’t miss them because you have to drive past them to the beach. The setting here is spectacular, with dunes on one side, mountains behind and a lagoon for wildlife in the middle. You’ll immediately understand that Patara was once an influential city in Roman times. The partially restored ruins have a fascinating story to tell.

Patara is home to the theatre, several temple tombs, the parliament hall or Bouleuterion, the collonaded street, etc. The Main Street and Bouleuterion areas are inaccessible to most tourists, which is a shame. As you’ll see in this article, venturing further afield can yield some jaw-dropping rewards.

The downfall off Patara begins somewhere in late Roman Time. Patara has been shrinking in size and importance over the centuries. When the port finally silts up, it means the end of Patara is near. The splendid building fell into disrepair and was eventually buried in the sand.

Fortunately, the excavations of Patara have revealed several of its magnificent buildings and structures, some of which have been meticulously restored. Join us in Patara.

Arch Of METTIUS MODESTUS

Upon arriving in Patara, the first landmark you will notice is the Arch of Medius Modestus. This three-vaulted triumphal arch has become a symbol of Patara.

The Arch is a massive 10m high structure consisting of three arches, built by the people of Patara in memory of Mettius Modestus, governor of Lycia and Pamphylia. Near the arch, you will notice a cemetery, most of which are Lycian sarcophagi. About 50m south of the arch is the remains of the Octagonal Pond, which was in use from the 1st to the 4th century AD.

The Theatre Is Fairly Well Preserved And Offers Great Views

The impressive stage building or Skene is 41,50 m long and 6,50 m high. A monumental inscription on the northwest side of the skene wall indicates that Quintus Velius Titianus financed the construction of the entire skene.

He also paid for the 11th row of seats (and possibly the 11th Cercis) in the upper part of the cave (suma Cavea), as well as the tent (velum) above the cave and perhaps other curtains. The inscription also states that his daughter Velia Procla completed the renovation and decorated the theatre with sculptures and marble inlays dedicated to Emperor Antony Pius and several gods.

The Impressive Bouleuterion

Checking Out The Scenery From One Of The Bouleuterion’s Windows

Later, after the big earthquake, a colonnade was added, and a stage building inside. Later, the building was also used as a concert hall. Bouleuterion can accommodate up to 1.400 people in 21 rows. Governors have a dedicated seating area in the centre, called the courtroom. The restored building is one of Patara’s highlights!

The Collonaded Main Street

On one side of the street, you can still see the ruins of the shop. On the other side are the ruins of the Central Baths and the Baths of Nero-Vespasianus, both inaccessible due to excavation work.

The Lighthouse

As an important seaport city, Patara also has a lighthouse. It is considered the oldest globally as it is around 2000 years old. Built around 60 AD, the lighthouse is about 16 to 20 m high. Researchers support the theory that the lighthouse was destroyed in the tsunami. The fact that the lighthouse stones were all found on the same side supports this theory.

Scientists say earthquakes can cause rocks to be scattered all over the place. Today, not many lighthouses still stand, but there are plans to restore them. Even so, it’s a fascinating structure.

Prostylos Temple and Seljuk Baths

Among the bushes of Patara stands a genuinely magnificent and well-preserved temple. The Temple of Prostylos is probably the best-preserved temple of its kind in Lycia. The temple is raised on a 1,5 m and measures 12,8 x 9,7 m. You enter the chapel through a luxurious gate of 6,6 m high, now supported by scaffolding. The temple dates back to the 2nd century AD, and it is not known to whom it was dedicated. Next to the Temple of Prostylos, you will find the ruins of the Seljuk Baths.

More Interesting Patara Ruins

Patara is very stretched, and every corner of the old city seems to have been ruined. You will also see a rather large building, a former granary. Next to it is another temple tomb, the pseudo-peripheral temple tomb. Even before you enter the actual site, you’ll come across several necropoleis, temple tombs, ceramic furnaces and harbour baths, to name a few.

Next to the harbour baths are the Palm Grove of Leto. An oasis of lush green palm trees and the stories that come with it. Legend has it that the god Apollo was the son of Leto and Zeus. In Hera’s jealous wrath, Leto had to find a place to give birth to Apollo and Artemis, spelling all the lands to avoid her. Birth pain hits her when she finally finds an island unconnected to the ocean floor. With his arms around a palm tree, Leto knelt on the soft grass, the earth laughing below. That’s when Apollo was born.
Ancient sources mention Delos as a location. Nonetheless, modern literature today admits that the rocky island of Delos does not fit the description, while the palm groves of Patara fit all the criteria.

Places Nearby

Letoon; the Lycian festival venue (6 km)

Is Xanthos, Turkey, worth a visit? (10 km)

Kalkan; enjoy quaint Kalkan! (12 km)

Sidyma, where cows pose next to Lycian Sarcophagi (16 km)

Kalabantia; visiting a pirate’s nest near Fethiye (22 km)