Olympos: Ancient city in the woods

Olympos: Ancient city in the woods

Published on June 17, 2014

The quiet streets in Cirali are one giant Mediterranean garden.

The beach is clean, quiet…and hot.

At the end of this beach, behind a rocky outcropping, lie the ruins of Olympos, an ancient Lycian city.

Paid the $2.50 admission and I’m in! The ancient city was divided by this narrow river that empties into the Mediterranean.

It’s kind of a shock to stroll through the woods and find tings like this!

Side view of a tomb. I could have put a piece of it in my pocket if I’d wanted. I didn’t.

Follow the woodland trail around the corner, and suddenly there’s a castle! I *think* this dates back to Sicilian occupation.

Tomb inside the castle.

Blue sky, sand, woods, mountains. This part of Turkey is like a dream.

Turned a corner and found this Roman temple, built to honor Marcus Aurelius.

In case you didn’t get how big the Roman temple door is…

Bits of Roman temple just lying on the ground. You could sit on a bit of Ionic column for your water break.

Across the river is the city wall.

Imagine walking through the woods and stumbling across things like this!

Beautiful.

The Northern Necropolis , a city within the city. Only, you know, for dead people.

Northern Necropolis

Tomb inside a necropolis building

The wall, the mountains, the sky…

Several locals waded into the water to cool of. It’s not 100 degrees yet, but they’re predicting it for tomorrow.

Looking back toward the beach on the way home.

Published by Lauren

I'm a nomadic freelance writer, out enjoying the world!

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7 Comments

Sara Seematter
June 17, 2014 at 11:05 am

Those are great pics!!!
Cookie Shaw
June 18, 2014 at 8:13 am

Beautiful !!!
Lauren
June 18, 2014 at 9:31 am

Thank you!
Lauren
June 18, 2014 at 9:42 am

It was so beautiful it almost hurt my heart to look at it.
Mim
June 24, 2014 at 6:02 pm

Wow! Love it! Lauren, your’e blog and pics inspire me.
Cirali Turkey: A magical beach escape | The Soul of a JourneyThe Soul of a Journey
June 28, 2014 at 11:58 am

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Lauren
June 28, 2014 at 12:03 pm

Thank you, I’m so glad to hear it!