The City Where a Apollon Was Born
Patara is unlike most ancient cities on the Turkish coast. It was noted during antiquity for the temple and oracle of Apollo, second only in importance to that of Delphi — and according to mythology, Apollo himself was born here. Beyond legend, the historical record is equally astonishing: Patara served as the capital of the Lycian League, Rome's grain gateway to the East, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas (yes, Santa Claus), and the port from which the Apostle Paul set sail for Rome. Few ancient sites carry this many stories in a single ruin field.
Layers of History
Excavations have revealed that Patara's history stretches back to the Early Bronze Age, around 3000 BC. Referenced as "Patar" in Hittite texts from the 13th century BC, the city surrendered to Alexander the Great in 333 BC, before passing through the hands of the Ptolemies, the Seleucids, and eventually Rome.
Under Roman rule, Patara flourished as the administrative capital of Lycia and a critical naval base connecting the empire's eastern provinces. It was a renowned port for storing and transporting grain from Anatolia to Rome — a role that defined much of its monumental architecture.
What to See
The Triumphal Arch (Roman City Gate) greets every visitor at the entrance. Built around 100 AD and remarkably well-preserved, it once formed part of the city's aqueduct system as well as its ceremonial entrance.
The Bouleuterion (Assembly Hall) is one of Patara's most significant structures — the meeting place of the Lycian League's democratic assembly. Adjacent to the theatre, it served as the capital's meeting place and is considered one of the earliest examples of representative democratic architecture in the ancient world. A recent restoration has brought it back to impressive condition.
The Theatre, leaning against Kurşunlu Hill at the southern end of the site, holds 5,000 spectators and was reconstructed following an earthquake in 147 AD. Its position offers sweeping views toward the sea.
The Lighthouse is one of Patara's most remarkable survivors. Built in 60 AD during the reign of Nero, it is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the world, originally rising 26 metres on a three-tiered square base.
Hadrian's Granary stretches 75 metres along the ancient harbour's edge. Built during Emperor Hadrian's visit in 131 AD, its sheer scale speaks to the enormous volume of grain that once passed through this port on its way to Rome.
The Stadiasmus Patarensis — unearthed in 1993, this monumental Roman pillar bears a Greek inscription listing the road network and distances across Lycia, essentially a stone road atlas of the ancient province. The original is now in the Antalya Museum.
Santa Claus Was Born Here
Saint Nicholas was born in Patara in 270 AD and lived most of his life in the nearby town of Myra. The man behind the Santa Claus legend spent his childhood walking these very streets. His tomb and the church where he served as bishop are in Demre, a short drive away — making a combined Patara–Myra route one of the most compelling day trips in the region.
Beach and Nature
Immediately beyond the ruins begins one of Turkey's most extraordinary beaches. The sand dunes span 18 kilometres and the beach is a rare nesting site for Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, which have been breeding here for millions of years. Certain sections close seasonally to protect turtle nests — a restriction that only adds to the sense that nature here has been left deliberately intact. Patara is also conveniently located near the Lycian Way long-distance hiking route, making it a natural stop for trekkers.
Practical Information
- Location: Near Gelemiş village, Kaş district. 42 km from Kaş, 16 km from Kalkan.
- Getting there: Dolmuş (shared minibus) from Kaş or Fethiye. By car, turn toward Gelemiş at the roundabout at the 10th km of the Kaş–Fethiye road.
- Entrance fee: Paid entry; MüzeKart accepted.
- Time needed: Allow 2–3 hours for the ruins; combine with the beach for a full day.
- Best time to visit: April–June and September–October. Midsummer is hot and crowded.
- UNESCO status: On Turkey's Tentative List for World Heritage designation.
