SYEDRA: SPECTACULAR VIEWPOINT AND ANCIENT SITE NEAR ALANYA

Nature lovers and history buffs, rejoice! Check visit Syedra if you’re seeking for a fantastic ancient place close to Alanya. The image of this location’s Baths, which dominate the shoreline southeast of Alanya and are part of the Taurus Mountain range, is what has made it most famous. The majority of people are unaware of Syedra’s many talents beyond that one somewhat famous picture. We highly suggest visiting Syedra to receive a sneak peak of the beauty that archaeologists are unearthing on-site, since we have a strong suspicion that more discoveries will soon be released following the ongoing excavations at the site. Take a peek at this post to get you excited.

Priene Temple of Athena

SYEDRA: A BIT OF A MYSTERY WAITING TO BE UNFOLDED

Situated strategically along the old coastal road that traces the Mediterranean shoreline, Syedra ancient city is located around 20 kilometres southeast of Alanya. The city is split into two sections: a smaller city on the little hill overlooking the sea that stretches to the shore, and a town atop Asar Tepe, approximately 400 metres above sea level. This is where things start to become intriguing because there isn’t any pre-Roman archaeological or historical evidence regarding Syedra. However, submerged finds from the city’s harbour suggest that the area was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age.

Steps Leading Up To A Monumental Tomb And The Church

View Of Syedra’s 5.000-Year-Old Harbor

THE ROMAN EMPIRE

It is obvious that Syedra’s prime was during the Roman Empire, ideally in the second or fourth century. During the reign of Tiberius, from 14 to 37 AD, it began minting its own coins under the name Syadreon, and it did so until the Galiennus period, which lasted from 253 to 268 AD. Based on the size of the cisterns discovered at Syedra, between 4.000 and 5.000 people must have resided there at that time. An estimate supported also by the epigraphic evidence and architectural remains discovered on the site.

Inside The Baths At Syedra

 Part Of The Colonnaded Street And The Baths Below

Surviving inscriptions claim that throughout Syedra’s existence, she fought off multiple pirate invasions and supported Emperor Septimius in his conflict with Pescennius Niger in 194. The wealth of the city in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries is indicated by additional inscriptions on the Colonnaded Street, which came after the most important period of urbanisation.

 Syedra Is Buzzing With Activity

THE BYZANTINE PERIOD

In Byzantine times, Syedra functions as a bishopric center for the metropolis of Pamphylia. Even today, you’ll see notable remains of religious structures at this ancient site. After the Arab invasion in the 7th century, the city came under the Umayyad and Abbasid states’ rule to go back to Byzantine rule 3 centuries later.

Walking Up To The Temple Tomb

Column Heads Both On The Ground And Up Where They Belong

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THIS ANCIENT SITE NEAR ALANYA

Even though Syedra just appears to be a colonnaded street next to the Bath Buildings, there is a lot going on underneath the surface if you take the time to look around. (Groove intended) There are also cisterns, town walls, a bouleuterion, a temple, and stores. You’ll have to go view the amazing discovery at the Bath Building for yourselves because we were not permitted to take pictures of it. However, the rate at which work is being done consistently bodes well for the development of this clearly amazing site.
We have a strong suspicion that this old site close to Alanya will only grow more fascinating over time.

Part Of The Bath Building Overlooking The Coastline Below

Please be aware that if you are experiencing mobility problems, this is not a stop to think about. There is a lot of territory to traverse, and you will need to ascend a sizable number of steps before you can view any remains. A magnificent vista is your kind reward. There aren’t any other amenities on the property. When it’s hot outside, remember to pack lots of drink and sun protection. Fortunately, you’ll find that some places have a lot of trees to offer much-needed shade.
The majority of the items at Syedra are on display at the Alanya Museum, so if you want to get the most out of your stay there, plan to see both.
For yet another Alanya must-see, see this link: Alanya Castle
Syedra is clearly marked and accessible from the D-400. At the site’s entrance is a neatly maintained parking area. It can be difficult to get there by public transit because you have to walk all the way up from the D-400 main road. Although the Müze website lists the hours of operation, as of 2020, entrance to the site was unrestricted.

Click here for another must-see in Alanya: Alanya Castle

It’s easy to find Syedra, as it is signposted from the D-400. You’ll find a well-maintained parking lot at the entrance of the site. Getting there by public transportation is a bit of a challenge, as you’ll have to hike up to there all the way from the D-400 main road. While the Müze website mentions opening hours, the site was freely accessible in 2020.