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.
We spent four days exploring these ruins (and beach) and we still have plenty more to see. Paid 7.5 TL for 10 visits, so a real bargain. Was impressed by amphitheatre, newly restored parliament building, market place (very evocative), two sets of baths, lighthouse, tombs, entrance gate…we walked round the swampy area (silted up ancient harbour) to a fantastic granary,…
If you are going to be in Patara anyway, then by all means, go. However, Turkey has such awesome ruins in so many places and while these are ok, I didn't think they were fabulous. I made a special trip to go there and wished I hadn't. If the weather had been nicer and I could have combined it with…
This was quite special to visit and easy access. Lots of information given about the area. Worth giving it a try.
This is a terrific small historic site, primarily Lycian but some Roman as well. It is very inexpensive to visit and well worth it. the setting is spectacular, next to Patara Beach. Hopefully you are fortunate enough to have a room at the Patara Viewpoint and can walk here, but if not there is ample parking.
We have visited before but they are now doing some restoration work on the Council chamber – very interesting
Combine a visit to the beach with a visit to the ruins. This Lycian capital must have been pretty extensive as the ruins cover a large area. The authorities have cleaned up and partially rebuilt one of the 2 amphitheatres and have done a great job. You get a real feel for what it must have been like when it…
In summer, please don't die without my advice to go in the cooler temperature of night or morning. 6pm is good.
The excavations have revealed really fascinating ruins that you can wander round at your leisure and soak up the atmosphere. Great place for watching a wide variety of birds as well.
Wonderful, fascinating, beautiful. Could have done with bit more information but magical setting, especially in early evening light.
Majestic and beautiful, the ruins are amazing because they are so close to the water. But can you blame us if we headed straight to the beach?