Patara Ancient City was a Lycian city, which was founded in the 14th and 15th centuries B.C. In Lycia, Patara was the capital and the port city in its time. Because of these reasons, it had importance for Lycians. Patara is located in western Antalya today. Also, Patara is the birthplace of St. Nicholas, who spent most of his life in another Lycian city Myra. Patara is mentioned in the New Testament. The importance of the city remained in Byzantine Empire, however as Seljuks took the city, Patara gradually lost its importance. On that page, we’ll mention what to see in the ancient city of Patara.

What to See in Patara Ancient City?

The remains from Patara protected their original forms comparing other ancient cities in the area. 

The Arch of Modestus

The arch of Modestus is simply the gate for the city, and it was built to honor Mettius Modestus and his family. The arch was made to build by the Roman emperor Trajan, and building an arch for an important figure was a common practice back at that time. The arch still preserves its original form, thanks to the periodic renovations. 

Ancient Amphitheatre

The classic monument in every ancient city must be a theatre. Since theatres were frequently used for entertainment. This ancient theatre in Patara can have 5000 people capacity at once, and it seems like it was protected. Also, the theatre is renovated periodically. The theatre is laid on Kursunlu Mountain, and it oversees the city view. The theatre was built in the second century, by Emperor Hadrian and his wife Sabina. After a devastating earthquake damaged the theatre in 141 A.D.  the theatre remained in its original form mostly. 

Bouleuterion

The bouleuterion was an assembly building of Patara. The building was standing in the middle of the city center, so we can deduce that the importance for the Patara folk is not negotiable. In the years 2010-2011, the assembly building was unearthed from the sands which covered it over years, and it was found as almost not-damaged. But we know that the building was rebuilt again in Byzantine Era, because back at that time, rebuilding and using ruined buildings was common practice. Thanks to further renovations nowadays, the building now looks like its original form. While renovating, there were found some scripts, and now they are exhibited in front of the building. 

Main Boulevard

The main boulevard is a wide and long street, connected to the harbor. The street was covered with columns on each side, granite columns on the east, and marble ones on the west. It was one of the limited boulevards, which were not damaged highly. It was guessed that the main street was used for shopping as well. Probable the street was a gathering area for Patara people in any circumstance, such as shopping, meeting, etc. 

Lighthouse

Since Patara is a port city, the lighthouse gains importance in Patara. Although there remained the ruins of the lighthouse once, now it was fully renovated through artificial intelligence. The lighthouse was portrayed in the artificial intelligence tool named “stone hospital”, and according to the portrait on the computer, the lighthouse was built. In 64-65 years, Emperor Neron built the lighthouse. 

Patara Natural Park

Patara ancient city, sand dunes, camping areas, and nature of the area were named Patara Natural Park. When you enter here, you can visit both the beach and camping areas, sand dunes, and the ancient city. For example, you can do canoeing in the Eşen River. Sand dunes are in the natural park as well and they are like out of the desert. Old Turkish movies were filmed here to be able to give the desert atmosphere. Caretta caretta turtles are the residents of Patara Natural Park, too. To be able to protect their breeding and living area, Patara Beach is closed at 8:00 PM.

Hotels near Patara Ancient City

The nearest hotels to Patara are in Gelemiş, Antalya and they are mostly mansions and boutique hotels. In that way, it can be said that they are not pricey. These are the most favorite hotels nearby:

St. Nicholas Pension: The best thing about the pension is that you can find any room as you want, the modern or local way. The pension is both budget-friendly and has delicious meals. If you desire to stay in a sincere place, St. Nicholas is the option. 

Flower Hotel: Flower Hotel serves both villas and hotel rooms. All of them are clean and nasty. This family-run hotel is giving a vibe of sleeping over with a friend. The jams are hand-made by the owner of the hotel. You can try that hotel for a nice visit.

How to Go to Patara Ancient City?

Patara Ancient City is Kaş, Antalya, Turkey. 

• From Fethiye Autobus Terminal, you can find intercity services to Kaş. 
• From Antalya Airport, there are intercity services to Kaş.

You can visit Teknevia for take information about boat rental. 

FAQ

• Where is Patara Ancient City?

Patara Ancient City is in Gelemiş, Kaş, Antalya.

• Who founded the ancient city of Patara?

Patara was founded by Lycians, and it was the capital city of Lycia.

• What remains there are in Patara Ancient City?

In Patara Ancient City, there are the arch of Modestus, ancient theatre, bouleuterion, the main boulevard, and lighthouse. 

• Which hotels there are in Patara Ancient City?

You’ll find St. Nicholas Pension and Flower Hotel in Patara.

• How to go to Patara Ancient City?

From Fethiye and Antalya Airport, there are intercity services to Kaş. 

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