The Gateway of the Taurus and the Triple-Arched Gate
Hidden on the slope of a valley at the 50th kilometer of the Antalya-Burdur highway, Ariassos is a mountain city that greets you with its imposing gate. Carrying all the grandeur of the Roman period into the wild nature of the Taurus, the city has been a popular stop for travelers for thousands of years with its monumental entrance.
Turning Points of History
Ariassos is one of the Pisidian cities that gained its independence with the Peace of Apamea in 189 BC. The city, which flourished during the Roman Empire, became famous for its monumental city gate built in the 3rd century AD. Until it was abandoned as a result of an earthquake, the city served as an important stop and marketplace on trade routes.
The Peak of Monumentality: Triple-Arched Gate and Mausoleums
The most iconic structure of the city is the still-standing three-arched "City Gate" (Severan Gate). This gate is like a magnificent triumphal arch greeting those who enter the ancient city. The city also features massive monumental tombs (mausoleums) in the necropolis area from the Roman and Byzantine periods, along with ruins of a theater and a basilica. The settlement, spread over the slopes of the valley, proves the success of ancient engineering in difficult terrain.
Practical Information
- Location: 50th km of the Antalya-Burdur highway, near the Çubuk Beli pass, within the borders of Akkoç Village.
- Transportation: It is one of the easiest ancient cities to reach as it is near the highway. You can reach the ruins 1 km inland by turning at the Ariassos sign.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Visiting Hours: Daylight.
- Duration: 1 hour to see the gate and necropolis area.
- Note: It is perfect as a short stopover due to its proximity to the highway.
