Sillyon Ancient City Sillyon is a charming town located in the ancient region of Pamphylia, about 16 kilometers from Serik and 30 kilometers from Antalya. According to mythology, the town was established by Mopsos and Calchas, legendary heroes who returned from the Trojan War. Sillyon is home to some of the best-preserved Hellenistic city ruins in the Antalya area, marking it as an important center for Hellenistic military defense. Historical sources show that Sillyon has been recorded since the early 5th century BC, with experts confirming its status as a tax-contributing member of the Delian League. Historical documents of Sillyon suddenly disappeared around 425 BC but resurfaced again in 333 BC. During this era, the city’s strong defenses and hired soldiers successfully resisted conquest attempts by Alexander the Great. Throughout the Hellenistic period under the Seleucid Dynasty, Sillyon prospered and expanded, with numerous magnificent structures built. Although the Kingdom of Pergamon held sway in the region, Sillyon maintained its independence due to backing from the Roman Senate. The city continued issuing its own coins until 270 AD. During the Byzantine era, Sillyon gained importance and was the birthplace of two ecumenical Patriarchs: Constantine II and Anthony I. In 678 AD, an Arab naval fleet failed to capture Constantinople after a fierce storm wrecked their ships near a location close to Sillyon. As a fortified city and residence of the imperial governor, Sillyon was the starting point of a significant route linking the Mediterranean coast to Amorium, Nicaea (modern-day İznik), and Constantinople. By the 8th and 9th centuries, Sillyon had become the leading city of the area, overtaking nearby Perge, which lost its bishopric to Sillyon. Despite its strong fortifications, the city fell to the Seljuks in 1207 along with the rest of Pamphylia. Visitors approaching Sillyon will first come across the ruins of the stadium, followed by the Lower Gate, which shares architectural similarities with the gate at Perge. At the base of this gate lie the remains of a gymnasium. A 5-meter-wide ramp once enabled carts to bring goods and trade into the city, making Sillyon an active commercial center in ancient times. The southern area of Sillyon houses the ruins of a theater, although only the upper seating tiers remain intact due to a past landslide. Sadly, no evidence remains of the nearby odeon. Visitors can admire expansive views toward the southern horizon, overlooking a wide plain that stretches all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. In this area, the walls of an ancient temple featuring four pillars on its eastern side still stand. Located at the core of Sillyon is a sizable Byzantine-era structure, possibly a palaestra, surrounded by some of the city's oldest buildings on its eastern flank. Hellenistic structures are also found throughout this vicinity. Keep in mind that exploring Sillyon requires a strenuous uphill walk. However, the spectacular panoramic views from the summit make the effort truly rewarding. 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 as quickly as possible.