Phaselis Ancient City Phaselis, a significant ancient port city with a deep historical heritage, was founded in 693 BC. The site features ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods, including a remarkably preserved theatre, aqueducts, agoras, and baths. Visitors often begin their exploration with a walk along the sandy shores of the bay, shaded by pine and cedar trees surrounding the sheltered harbor. While the city’s historic ambiance is a major draw, its appeal as a seaside holiday spot has also increased. During September, guests can enjoy evening shows at the iconic theatre as part of the Arts Festival. Phaselis, founded earlier than many other port cities, rapidly rose to prominence within the Lycian Union thanks to its strategic position for commerce. The city’s prosperity was challenged by piracy and agricultural decline until the Roman Empire established control, restoring order. During the Byzantine era, Phaselis became an important bishopric and maintained its status until the 3rd century AD, after which its influence gradually diminished. Most of the existing ruins date from the Roman and Byzantine times and are located along a central axis linking the northern and southern harbors. The theater, a modestly sized structure from the Hellenistic period, features stepped entrances at its corners. The Temple of Athena and several other notable buildings remain buried beneath the forested Acropolis Hill. Although often mistaken for Lycian or Pamphylian cities, Phaselis’s location highlights its importance as a major port. The city was deserted after the 12th century following destruction during the Seljuk sieges. Still, Phaselis, listed on UNESCO's Tentative List since 2009, stands as a significant cultural treasure of Turkey. If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.