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The Mediterranean
Further along is the handsome older city gate, dating from the 3rd century B.C. which is flanked by two lofty round towers and contains a horse-shoe shaped court. This gate leads on to a long colonnaded way sidewalks paved in mosaic. Opposite the ruins of the large agora, which was surrounded by colonnades lined with shops stands a 30 ft building which used to house the thermal baths and gymnasium.
ASPENDOS
A turning from the main road at Serik leads to the of another important Pamphylian city, Aspendos set on the banks of the ancient Eurymedon River, today called the Köprüçayı. From pre-Hellenistic times the Eurymedon used to be navigable and Aspendos was a river port and principal city enjoying thriving commerce and trade, with loal industries including the manufacture of silk and rugs.
Aspendos entered into good relations wth Rome after the Battle of Magnesia ad Sipylum in 190 B.C. and the present day remains are all the Roman period.
Dominating the site is the best preserved theatre of antiquity dating from the 2nd century A.D. Built partly against a hill and partly constructed it could seat an audience of 15-20.000. The horse-shoe shaped auditorium is divided by a gangway and surmounted by a colonnaded arcade.
The acoustics are still magnificent and performances of ancient Greek plays are held here as part of the annual Antalya Festival.
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ALANYA
The beautiful town of Alanya nestle at the foot of a rocky promontory which just out between two sandy beaches and is crowned by a Seljuk fortress; one of the most impossive sights on the mediterranean coast. In the town are numerous modern hotels,, motels and camping sites, while next to the sea are numerous fish restaurants and cafes, From the lovely flowering park the road runs along the sea front to the harbour and is lined with innumerable boutiques selling every type of Turkish handicraft; carpets dresses and blouses made from şile bezi jewellery copper and onyx objects.
The city, known in antiquity as Korakesion, was founded in the 4th century B.C. and during Roman times was a notorious pirate stronghold. The town was later annexed by the Seljuk Sultan Aleaddin Keykubat, who made Alanya his winter residence and unique arched boatyards which were built by the Seljuks and the Kızıl Kule of the samne period.
A new road with breath-taking view at every bend, winds its way up to the citadel and passes the picturesque cottage of the old town with their gardens full of exotic flowers and bunches of freshly dyed silk hanging to dry.
The well preserved double-walled fortress has 150 towers still standing and contains mosque a Byzantine church a covered bazaar a caravanserai and cistern. Down below is a dizzying view of the rocks fringing the promontory contrasting with the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, while from every side are magnificent views of the modern town the harbour the long white beaches and the foothills of the snow-capped Taurus Mountains gliding down to the sea.
At the foot of the promontory on the eastern side is the Damlataş Cave it is small and extremely old with wonderful multi-hued stalagöites and stalactites. The humidity in the cave is very high and it is sait by doctors to benefit sufferers from asthma and respiratory diseases. Opposite the cave is a beach and nearbyis the local archaeological and enthnograpgical museum. Alanta is a port of entry and the Turkisd Maritime Lines ships are regular callers. From the harbour boats leave regularly to cruise along the surrounding shores which abound in caves and inlets. Of special interest are the Blue Grotto with its phosphorescent rocks and the Kızlar Mağarası where the pyramids used to keep their female captives.
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