Kitanaura, Archaeological site in Saraycık village, Antalya, Turkey.
Kitanaura is an ancient city perched at roughly 1200 meters elevation, encircled by massive stone walls that stretch from the southwest across the eastern and northern sides. A bath-gymnasium complex with six separate sections and a training area sits at the southwestern entrance.
The earliest fortification walls trace back to the Hellenistic period, while construction continued through later centuries until the Byzantine era around the fifth century. This shows how the site remained inhabited and developed across distinct historical periods.
The presence of five Byzantine churches within the city limits indicates the strong influence of Christianity during the Late Antiquity period in this region.
The site is set in mountainous terrain and requires walking downhill and around the ancient walls to explore all structures. It is best visited during cooler months when the elevation makes afternoon temperatures more comfortable.
Coins from multiple eras scattered across the site revealed its name and confirmed its connection to nearby ancient settlements. Visitors can trace how this mountain city linked to the broader region through these numismatic clues.
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