Donukltaş, Roman temple ruins in Tarsus, Turkey
Donukltaş is a Roman temple complex in Tarsus with substantial stone walls that still rise several meters high and reveal the original building's footprint. The rectangular structure displays the typical construction style of Roman religious buildings, with solid foundations and thick masonry walls.
The building was constructed in the 2nd century during Roman rule, with archaeological excavations between 1982 and 1992 establishing its precise dating. It originally served as a sanctuary for a local deity before being incorporated into the broader Roman religious system.
The site represented a meeting point of different religious traditions, where local beliefs and Roman practices coexisted in the same sacred space. Walking through the ruins, you can sense how successive cultures left their mark on this place of worship.
The site is located within the urban area of Tarsus and is relatively easy to reach from nearby main roads. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and some walls may appear unstable in places.
The walls contain Roman mortar that originally supported marble cladding, revealing advanced building techniques of the period. This construction method allowed the Romans to create durable structures with an impressive visual appearance.
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