|
The ancient Lycian
capital of Xanthos was discovered in 1838 by the archaeologist Charles
Fellows.
It stands atop an
elevated area within the Xanthos valley with the Xanthos River flowing
closely under the city’s west side.
From this elevation you
get a great view of the valley surrounded by the spectacular Taurus
Mountains.
Artefacts from Xanthos date back to the 8th
century BC, but it is possible that the site may have existed during the
Bronze Age or during the first centuries of the Iron Age.
Although Fellows removed most of the treasures of Xanthos to The
British Museum, there are still many interesting monuments and structures
that remain, including two of the most interesting tombs in Lycia.
The
imposing ruins combine Lycian, Persian and Greek styles.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Xanthos is 26km northwest of Kalkan. The
turn-off is in the centre of Kinik town. The ancient site is about 1km from
the turn-off, at the top of the hill. |
