The ruins of Patara consist of the large Hadrian granary, the city’s triumphal arch, a theater with a long inscription, a sixth or seventh century Christian basilica, Lycian and Roman tombs, the baths, and a temple to Apollo. One of the chief centers of the worship of Apollo was here as was also the famous oracle of Apollo.
Patara was the flourishing port for the city of Xanthus (Kimk) some ten kilometers up the Xanthus (Koca Cay) River. Xanthus was the ancient capital of the province of Lycia. While Xanthus was more heavily populated, Patara perhaps covered more acreage. Homer speaks of the area as the home of one of the heroes of the Trojan War. The port area has been erased by the shifting sands and the edge of the city is no longer immediately on the sea. In Paul’s time it appears it was a good all-weather harbor.
As Paul and Luke returned from Miletus to Jerusalem at the end of the third journey they stopped in Patara. Here they probably changed from a small coastwise ship to a larger one that could cope with the open Mediterranean (Acts 21:1-2).
The excavators at Patara have done an excellent job uncovering the Amphitheatre at Patara (one of the largest in Anatolia); just a few years ago it was filled with sand, vegetation and rubble. The view from the top, facing the city center, is fantastic.
…as everywhere all most in Turkey vestiges, belonging to roman and pre-middle eve times, they do not offer complete explanations…
I have been to these ruins three times now. I could never get bored it is so amazing. The last time I went I stayed for three hours wondering around, there is so much to see. Then the walk to the amazing Patara beach is so close. It is all wonderful.
Each time I visit this site I see something fresh. That is because there is a certain amount of excavation Archealogical not exploitation going on. There is a small visitor centre at the entrance near the Amphitheatre and Parliament Building. Dnot be put off visiting by the small entrance fee charged at the Toll gate on the beach road. I…
in good condition and has info boards. not far off the road so you can see it or access it easily from your vehicle.
The ruins are well preserved and are slowly undergoing more excavations. A very much ongoing positive project
the ruins are still being put together, its like a giant jigsaw, absolutely fascinating, well worth a visit, but go in the evening as its very, very hot during the day
An amazing site of ancient city with a superb new museum providing a clear multilingual guide through the use of Photographs showing the development and excellent research into the area
We keep on coming back here, year after year, some years I come to see the ruins at least twice. This is one of the biggest sites in terms of geographical spread, from the newly uncovered lighthouse to the Byzantine churches, triumphal Roman arch, Grecian amphitheatre and newly restored forum. The wildlife around here is also lovely – we have…
The Lycian and Roman ruins at Patara are some of the most engaging to
visit due to their situation peeking out of the sand dunes. The cost of entry to the site also allows you access to the fantastic Patara beach. In ancient times Patara was one of the principle ports of the Roman empire in Turkey and is reputed…
Well worth a visit out of the heat of the sun.
Lycian meeting hall and amphitheatre were impressive, as was archway and Main Street.
Amazing to think this was once a major port.
The info boards give some background.
Cost of entry is included in beach ticket.