Antiphellos Ancient City

Antalya's Eyebrow The ancient city of Antiphellos, located within the borders of the district, is an important settlement that sheds light on the history of the Lykia Region. Known as "Habesos" or "Habesa" in the Lykian language, the city has stood out as the trade and cultural center of the region throughout history.

Origin and History of the City's Name

The name “Antiphellos” means “the place opposite the rocky place” or “opposite Phellos”. According to historical sources, this name comes from the fact that Phellos Ancient City functioned as a port. The history of the ancient city dates back to the 6th century BC, and its importance increased with commercial activities in the Hellenistic Period. Despite the decline of Phellos, Antiphellos, Rome It developed rapidly as a port city during the empire.

The Economic Role of the Lycian League and Antiphellos

From the middle of the 2nd century BC To the Lycian Union Antiphellos, who was a member, had the sole vote in the decision-making processes of the union. In addition to its commercial activities, the city is also known for the coins it minted in its name. These coins show both the economic power of the city and its contribution to the union.

Architectural Remains

The ruins of the ancient city of Antiphellos are spread along the peninsula extending east-west from the Kaş district. The prominent architectural works are:

Wall Ruins

The remains of the walls made of rectangular stonework from the Hellenistic Period are located on the part of the peninsula facing Meis Island. In the area close to the harbour, to the southeast of a church that has now been converted into a mosque, there are the remains of a temenos temple dedicated to an unknown god. The main structure of this temple is thought to date back to the 1st century BC, and later additions to the 3rd century AD.

Theater

The theatre, leaning on the southern skirt of the Acropolis hill, bears architectural features from the Hellenistic Period. The theatre, with its twenty-six rows of seats, offers a unique view with its structure facing the sea. There is no fixed stone skene building in this structure, which does not have a diazoma. Near the theatre, there is a tomb chamber carved into the main rock, containing twenty-four female reliefs dating back to the 4th century BC.

Tombs and Sarcophagi

The Gothic pedimented tomb in Kaş Bazaar, which draws attention with its lion-head-shaped carriage protrusions and Lycian inscription, has survived from the 4th century BC. In addition, the rock tombs in the region were built in the Gothic style, and some have Lycian and Latin inscriptions. The Latin inscription added to a tomb reused by a woman named Claudia Recepta shows the historical continuity of these tombs.

Sarcophagi Around the Harbour

The Lycian-type sarcophagi found around the port of Antiphellos, under water and in areas close to the shore, carry important traces of the city's past, even though they date back to late periods.

The Ancient City of Antiphellos continues to attract attention today as an important cultural heritage reflecting the achievements of the Lycian civilization in the fields of trade, art and architecture. With its historical riches and natural beauties, it offers a unique experience to those who visit Kaş.