At 25 kilometres from Kemer are the ruins of the ancient city of Olympus. The city was named after the ancient mountain Olympus, which is now called Tahtaly. This is one of one of the most interesting places of the Antalya coast. The city was founded in the 3rd century. BC, was a member of the Lycian League. The city minted its own coins, the most the oldest of the coins dates back to the 2nd century B.C., which is the date given in the ancient manuscripts of Olympus. The city served as a haven for Cilician pirates. They surrounded the city with fortified walls and stayed there until the 15th century.
Around 42 BC, the Romans took possession of the city. It was during this time of Roman rule, the city flourished rapidly. But in the following centuries, when the Byzantine Empire Byzantine Empire ruled, the city fell into decline and the inhabitants abandoned it. В 7 century the city was raided by the Arabs.
The remains of the ancient city are hidden in dense vegetation. Of the acropolis of the acropolis. The walls of the Byzantine basilica, the pillar of a bridge and the ruins of a Roman theatre. In the necropolis you can see ancient tombs and sarcophagi. sarcophagi.
The main attraction of Olympus is Mount Chimaera. The mountain is constantly Mount Chimera is constantly on fire due to gas seeping out of the ground. Here you can to admire the ruins of an ancient temple. This place is described in the famous Iliad. in the famous Iliad. According to the story, Bellerophontes killed the Chimera. lion's head, a snake's tail and a goat's torso) with an arrow and then threw the the monster inside the mountain. After that, mysterious flames began to appear on the mountain.
Currently, Olympos is part of the National Park and is protected by law. under the protection of a law that prohibits mass tourism in the area. The ruins of the city, surrounded by dense greenery of laurel trees, flowering oleanders, wild figs and pine trees are enchanting. The monument of Olympos is the door of the ancient temple, which is located to the west of the river. Ancient times The ancient theatre is a reminder of ancient times, while the Middle Ages left their mark here in the form of the city walls and towers in the bay. city walls and towers in the bay.
