The Museum of Lycian Funerary Art
Located near the village of Kapaklı in Demre, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Istlada is one of the cities with the most elegant and unique funerary architecture in Lycia. Far from the noise of big cities and situated on one of the most pleasant stages of the Lycian Way, this settlement is like an open-air sculpture museum where stone has turned into art.
Turning Points of History
With a history dating back to the 4th century BC, Istlada was never a major metropolis; however, it existed as a prestigious "fortress-town" inhabited by wealthy local lords and nobles. As part of the "Ancient Cities of Lycian Civilization" on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Istlada represents one of the most unique local identities of the Lycian League.
The Goybey Monument and the Dove Tomb Istlada’s worldwide fame comes from the house-type rock tomb known as the "Goybey Monument" (Hoyran Monument). The pediment of this monument features reliefs depicting scenes from the daily life of the tomb owner and his family. The nearby "Dove Tomb," with its depictions of sphinxes, roosters, and doves, offers the purest examples of symbolism in the Lycian cult of the dead. Looking down from the city's acropolis, the breathtaking view of Gökkaya Bay, the city's ancient harbor, unfolds in all its glory.
Practical Information
- Location: Kapaklı and Hoyran locations, Demre district.
- Transportation: Accessed by entering Kapaklı village from the Demre-Kaş road. It is part of the Lycian Way and requires hiking.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Suggestion: It is easier to access via Hoyran village to see the Hoyran Monument, and via Kapaklı for the coastal ruins.
- Visiting Hours: Daylight hours.
- Duration: 2 hours for a detailed inspection and photography.
- Best Time: Sunset hours when the Mediterranean sun paints the ruins in gold.
