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Patara Turkey

The remains of the ancient city now form part of a protected area that includes Patara Beach. The site is quite interesting with the ruins part buried in the sand including a theatre, baths, temples, granary, a main colonaide and the Triumphal Arch. Each year excavations are carried out and recently archaeologists uncovered what they believe is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world. The southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey is also known as the Lycian coast with many other archaeological sites of interest all dating from the Lycian period. The most impressive of these, within easy reach of Patara are Xanthos which is a 15 minute drive from Patara situated along a rocky outcrop high above the River Eşen. Letoon is only 4 kilometers from Xanthos and was the main religious center of the Lycian League having three temples built side by side. Pinara was once among the 6 most important of Lycian cities set in a stunning location with incredible views. Tlos is One of the oldest and most important cities in ancient Lycia with a dramatic mountain location with an Ottoman era castle, an amphitheatre, baths, and several rock cut tombs, including the Tomb of Bellerophon. Myra is a honeycomb of Lycian rock tombs and a well preserved Greco-Roman theatre. Kekova is a long narrow island opposite the harbour in the village of Üçağiz that has Byzantine, Roman and Lycian ruins. These are partly submerged 6 meters below sea level and are referred to as the sunken city.

In approximately 300 AD. while Patara was experiencing a prosperous era, a rich wheat merchant had a son named Nicholas. Years later after the death of his father Nicholas came into possession of a large estate and decided to use it to assist the poor. At that same time, one of the citys wealthiest men fell into poverty and lacked the means to afford dowries for his daughters. He even contemplated the idea of selling his daughters until Nicholas decided to help them. To remain anonymous he entered their house in secret to spare their family honour. While they were asleep he crept in through an open window and left a bag of gold to cover the dowry of the eldest daughter. Later he also tried to help the two younger daughters in the same way, but the windows were closed so he dropped little sacks of gold down the chimney. These little bags of gold landed in the girls shoes which were drying infront of the fireplace, thus started the legend of St. Nicholas delivering gifts to children through the chimney.

Region: Mediterranean
Province: Antalya Province
Beach: Yes
Marina: No
Hotels: Yes
Airport: Antalya Airport
English language website: www.patara-information.com www.patara-information.com contains detailed information about Patara with photos and videos. Clicking on the link opens a new browser window. To return to this page - simply close the new window.