PATARA ANCIENT CITY
Patara beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world, is one of the natural beauties in Antalya’s Kaş district. Patara beach, located on the coast of the ancient city of Patara, is a beach with a length of 18 kilometers. Patara was just one of the most important ports of the Lycian civilization in ancient times. Patara, the capital of the Lycian civilization, was one of the centers of commercial activities.
Patara city, which is called the port gate of Lycia, is one of the cleanest beaches of the Mediterranean. The ancient city of Patara turned into a swamp after the sea sands were filled, and took the form of a lake. The majority of the structures that have survived from the city of Patara bear the traces of the Byzantine, Roman and Medieval periods. Studies in the ancient city of Patara have been carried out since 1988. Patara is also known as one of the rare beaches where Caretta carettas lay their eggs and breed.
Structures of the Ancient City of Patara
Among the ruins of the ancient city of Patara today are the port building and the port gate. There are many things that can be counted among the ruins of the city. The entrance gate of the ancient city of Patara is called the Modestus triumphal arch. The triumphal arch was designed with a magnificent architectural understanding. The large church structure, called the city basilica, was unearthed during the excavations carried out after 2013.
Patara parliament building has the title of the oldest church in the world from the Lycian civilization. Built using limestone, this assembly is 17 meters high. Patara theater shows the characteristics of the Hellenistic period. The theater building, which was destroyed as a result of the earthquake in the years after Christ, was rebuilt. The area where the theater is located is Kurşunlu Tepe, and it has a view of the ancient city of Patara and its surroundings.
The Vespasian Baths were built when the city of Patara was under Roman rule. Inside the bath, there are the central bath, the port bath, Nero and small bath structures. The ancient lighthouse is one of the buildings built during the Roman Empire period.
Patara Beach and Patara Sand Dunes
Patara beach is 43 kilometers away from Kaş, according to its geographical area. Since the length of the coast reaches 1500 meters, it has the number 1 among the longest beaches in the world. Patara beach consists of fine sand and is the spawning area of caretta caretta turtles. Therefore, the usage hours of Patara beach have been determined.
Patara beach is one of the places under protection because it is a natural protected area. One of the closest places to Patara beach is Gelemis village and it is the accommodation area that can be preferred by those who want to be close to the beach. Buses departing from Kaş bus station can be used to reach Patara beach. After Patara beach, you can go to the borders of the ancient city of Patara.
Patara sand dunes are located in the middle of the beach. It is possible to encounter a magnificent view at sunset. It is one of the areas that can be frequented by those who want to take beautiful landscape photos. It is possible to visit the horse farm and Patara beach, the ancient city and the sand dunes in the Patara region at certain times of the day.