🏛️ Patara-Xanthos
Twin ancient Lycian cities on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Türkiye
📌 Fast Facts
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (1988) comprising two adjacent ancient cities
- Located in Antalya Province, approximately 50 km southeast of Fethiye
- Patara served as the principal port of the ancient Lycian League; Xanthos was the capital
- Founded in the 7th century BCE; Roman control established in 43 BCE
Patara-Xanthos represents two of the most significant urban centres of the ancient Lycian civilization, located in southwestern Türkiye near the Xanthos River valley. The sites span multiple periods from the Hellenistic era through Byzantine times, with substantial Roman-period construction and modification. Both cities are now archaeological sites with visible remains of temples, theatres, tombs, and administrative buildings spread across the landscape ...