Telmessos

Telmessos is an archaeological site near Fethiye with remains scattered across hillsides, including rock-cut tombs, an ancient theater, and various stone structures from different periods. The ruins reveal layers of occupation spanning from early antiquity through the Roman era.

This settlement began as a major trading hub during the Lycian period and later became an important Roman center starting in the 4th century BC. Its location made it a strategic place for commerce and control for many centuries.

The rock tombs here blend Lycian and Greek building styles, which you can see in the detailed facades carved into the hillside. This mixture shows how different peoples who lived here adopted and mixed their building traditions over time.

The site is accessible year-round, though visiting in early morning or late afternoon helps avoid intense sun exposure on the open hillsides. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and you will walk across sloped ground and climbing paths.

This site housed an oracle center that made predictions by watching fish movements in the nearby sea, an unusual divination practice that drew people seeking guidance about the future. Visitors came from across the Mediterranean world to consult the priests about important decisions.