Korykos Ancient City Korykos is an ancient and notable settlement positioned on the slopes of a mountain that extends down to the sea. It is located approximately 65 kilometers west of Mersin and around 25 kilometers from Silifke. As noted by Herodotus, the city was established by a figure named Korykos himself. The earliest traces of habitation date back to the Hittite period, though the majority of existing archaeological findings are from the Hellenistic era. Among these are the city's initial defensive walls, built from interlocked polygonal stones placed on rocky terrain — some of the earliest examples of urban fortification. In the 1st century BC, following the death of King Antiochus IV and subsequent political instability, the city proclaimed its independence. During the Roman era, Korykos expanded eastward, and new fortification systems were added in the 4th century AD, marking the city's height in development. The Christian period also holds great importance in the city's timeline. Within this compact area—positioned to the north of the route connecting Mersin and Silifke, and beside the Roman burial grounds—there are fourteen churches dating from the 4th to 7th centuries AD. These churches showcase a blend of architectural styles influenced by Syria, Constantinople, and Egypt. Subsequently, Korykos came under the rule of the Seljuks and the Cilician Armenian Kingdom. The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia constructed the prominent Korykos Castle over older defensive structures in the 12th century. The castle underwent significant renovations in the 13th century, giving it its current form. Following repeated attacks from the Karaman Dynasty, the Armenians transferred control of Korykos to Cyprus during the 13th century. Eventually, the area came under the dominion of the Ottoman Empire. Located on a small offshore islet, the sea fortress (Kizkalesi = Maiden Castle) was constructed on rocks roughly 200 meters from the shoreline. It served as an early defensive post, aiming to protect the bay from potential invasions. The mainland fortress was erected as secondary protection. The land castle’s defensive walls measure 192 meters in length and are reinforced with eight towers. A main gateway, flanked by towers, provides access from the northern side. The architectural features of the towers vary depending on the restoration efforts conducted over time. Another notable architectural element present at the site is the Villae Rusticae (Roman farmhouses). Within Korykos, visitors can also find sacred sanctuaries, burial grounds, and facilities once used for processing and storing agricultural goods. The eleven rock reliefs located in Adamkayalar, arranged in a conceptual frame, are remarkable for their depiction of everyday life in ancient times — showcasing elements such as furniture, attire, and personal adornments. In 2014, the Ancient City of Korykos was officially included on the UNESCO Tentative List, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. If you have further questions or need more information about the Korykos Ancient City, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp. We’ll be happy to assist you promptly.