A City with Lydian Roots

According to the famed ancient geographer Strabo of Amasya, the Kibyrans were originally from Lydia before migrating to the Kabalis region, where they established a vast settlement with a perimeter of 100 stadia. Archaeological excavations and sources reveal that Kibyra possessed a strong military character — commanding over 30,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry — and displayed some of the longest gladiator friezes known from antiquity in Turkey.

Its strategic position made Kibyra the judicial center for 25 nearby cities, while its mastery of horse breeding earned it the title “city of swift horses.” Excavations have also uncovered evidence of advanced ironworking, suggesting that metallurgy here was more than a trade — it was an art.

Prosperity and Roman Reconstruction

Kibyra reached its height during the Roman period, when most of its visible structures were built. However, the city’s prosperity was briefly shattered by a major earthquake in 23 AD. The Roman Emperor Tiberius granted Kibyra a five-year tax amnesty and financial assistance to rebuild, and in gratitude, the citizens renamed their city “Caesarea Cibyra” — the Emperor’s Cibyra.

Architectural Wonders of Kibyra

Stadium

On entering the site, the Kibyra Stadium dominates the landscape. Stretching 200 meters and seating around 12,000 spectators, it is regarded as one of the five most magnificent stadiums of the ancient world. Initially used for athletic events, it later became a stage for gladiatorial combats, earning the city its fierce reputation.

Theatre

The theatre of Kibyra, with seating for 7,500–8,000 people, is remarkable for its steep tiers that give it a dramatic presence over the valley. Visitors today can still pass through the ornate southern gate, one of the few ancient theater entrances that remains fully intact.

The World’s Largest Odeon

Among Kibyra’s most astonishing discoveries is the largest known Odeon in the world. Designed as a music and concert hall, it could accommodate around 3,500 people and stands as a testament to the city’s cultural sophistication.

Medusa Mosaic

At the heart of the Odeon lies the Medusa Mosaic, an extraordinary masterpiece dating to the early 1st century AD. Created using the Opus Sectile technique, it portrays Medusa, the mythological creature whose gaze could turn men to stone. The mosaic, unique in the world for its craftsmanship and preservation, once protected the building from evil.

Bath Complex

Kibyra’s Roman bathhouse, spanning approximately 5,400 square meters, is one of the largest in Anatolia. Built with a sophisticated underfloor heating system, it offered both luxury and engineering brilliance. With its 2,600-square-meter main structure, it ranks as the city’s third-largest building, after the stadium and the Odeon.

A Winter Wonderland

While Kibyra is fascinating year-round, visiting in winter reveals an entirely different beauty. Blanketed in snow, the ancient stones and grand arches take on a serene, ethereal quality, transforming the site into a winter wonderland. The snowy peaks and silent ruins create an almost mystical atmosphere — a rare opportunity to see an ancient city seemingly frozen in time. In these quiet months, visitors can wander among the snow-dusted columns and amphitheater seats, imagining how the city might once have glimmered under the same white veil two thousand years ago.

Legacy and Recognition

The ancient city of Kibyra offers visitors a rare opportunity to step back into a world where art, power, and mythology intertwined. Its grandeur and preservation led to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2016, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.

Getting There

Kibyra is easily accessible by road:

• From Antalya: Follow the Çavdır–Denizli road to Gölhisar, then continue toward the ancient city.
• From Ankara: Take the Afyonkarahisar–Burdur highway and proceed toward Gölhisar–Fethiye.
• From Izmir: Follow the İzmir–Aydın–Denizli route, then take the Acıpayam–Gölhisar line to reach Kibyra.

Whether for its legendary gladiators, majestic architecture, or the snow-covered serenity of winter, Kibyra stands as one of Turkey’s most enthralling archaeological treasures — a city where the echoes of history still whisper through the stones.

Source: http://www.sagalassosvakfi.org

Featured image by Şefik Akkurt

The post The Ancient City of Kibyra: City of Gladiators and Swift Horses appeared first on Fethiye Times.

There is also a bus service from Fethiye. Click here for details.

Lake Salda facts

Lake Salda is set in a tectonic crater composed of a limestone-like structure called stromatolitic rocks. These rocks, which are also seen on the surface of Mars, produce magnesium on the surface of the lake.

The magnesium is what gives the sand its white colour. The mineral content of the lake also makes it interesting for scientists, as it is believed to be similar to surface lakes found on Mars.

The hydromagnesite mineral found in its coastal waters is believed to offer remedies for certain dermatological diseases. Visitors have reported that their acne or eczema disappears after a week of enjoying the mineral-rich waters of the lake.

The sand of Lake Salda has a clay-like structure which is also very good for the skin – ideal for a natural mud bath.

The lake area covers 4,370 hectares, and its depth reaches 196 meters, making it one of the deeper lakes in Turkey, if not the deepest.

The surrounding area has endemic plant and animal species unique to Lake Salda. There are 3 endemic freshwater fish in the lake and boars, foxes rabbits and partridges around the lake. 

The lake is home to more than 100 bird species making it a great spot for bird watchers.

Recent protection regulations

Last year, the Environment and Urbanization Ministry declared Lake Salda a ‘Special Environmental Protection Area’. It was declared a first and second-degree Natural Protected Area in 1989.

The coastline of the lake has also been put under protection to prevent the natural and cultural fabric of the area from being damaged.

Thanks to the protection measures taken in and around the lake, the water quality increased to drinking water quality.

Amenities 

There are camping facilities and a cafeteria at Doğanbaba Public Beach and Yeşilova Municipality Public Beach.

There are also a few picnic benches scattered around, but not many other cafés or restaurants so you may want to take your own food and drink.

You’re going to want to take a swim in the clear, cool water of the lake but bear in mind, swimming is only allowed at Beyaz Adalar beach, Doğanbaba beach, Yeşilova beach and Tabiat Park.

The lake is around 44 km in diameter and not hilly so ideal for a long walk or cycling and enjoying this magical place. There are bicycle rental places around the lake. 

Staying longer

If you want to stay longer, there are plenty of hotels and guest houses to choose from.

A very special place

“Burdur is known as the region of lakes but Salda carries many different features than the others. It is one of the deepest, clearest and healthiest lakes in the world to swim in. It is one of the five award-winning lakes in Turkey.”

The isolation around Lake Salda makes it extra special. On approach, it looks like you’re at the beach, but as you get closer you can see it’s an impressive lake in a truly incredible location.

With its white beaches and turquoise waters there is a tropical vibe you won’t experience anywhere else in Turkey.

Lake Salda is one of the undiscovered gems of Turkey – the perfect place for some time away.

Sources: Wikipedia/Daily Sabah/Hürriyet Daily News

This article was first published on 26 August 2020.

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