Arycanda, Archaeological site in Antalya Province, Turkey
Arycanda is an archaeological site in Antalya Province that spreads across terraced levels on a mountainside with structures from Hellenistic and Roman times. The remains include baths, temples, an agora, a theater, and residential buildings distributed across different elevations on the slope.
The settlement dates to the 2nd millennium BCE and flourished under Roman rule through trade and timber resources from nearby forests. Its location on important trade routes enabled it to prosper and grow over many centuries.
The site reveals how residents organized their daily spaces through shared gathering areas and public structures that shaped community life. The agora and theater served as places where people came together for commerce, social events, and collective activities that defined the city's rhythm.
The site is reachable by road from Finike and is best visited in the morning when sunlight illuminates the structures better. Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction are essential since you will need to climb between different elevation levels on uneven terrain.
Unlike other ancient cities of its era, this settlement had no protective walls and relied instead on a single watchtower for defense. This unusual choice suggests the city may have depended on its prosperity and favorable location to stay secure in a relatively peaceful region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
