Myra Kaya Mezarları, Ancient rock tombs in Demre, Turkey.
Myra Kaya Mezarları is an ancient necropolis in Demre featuring tombs carved directly into limestone cliffs in various architectural styles. The structures imitate temples and houses, decorated with carved reliefs and inscriptions depicting family members and details of their lives.
These tombs were built by the Lycians between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE when the coastal region was a major trading hub. The burials mark the height of Lycian culture before the area eventually came under Greek and Roman control.
The tombs were positioned high on cliffs because the Lycians believed winged creatures would carry the dead to the afterlife. This placement reveals how closely the construction reflected the spiritual beliefs of the people who built them.
The site is located in Demre and easily accessible on foot or by car, with a visitor center offering information and basic facilities. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly on the cliffs and climbing is more comfortable.
The tombs were originally painted in bright colors like red, yellow, blue, and purple, though only faint traces remain visible today. They also bore inscriptions in two different languages—ancient Greek and Lycian—reflecting the cultural diversity of this ancient society.
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