The Proud and Unconquerable City of Pamphylia
Perched on a flat-topped mesa rising abruptly from the Serik plain, Silyon was one of the most strategic and well-defended cities of antiquity. It is famous for being one of the few cities that Alexander the Great besieged but failed to capture due to its strong defenses. Today, with massive structures half-plunged into the abyss following a landslide, it offers visitors a view that is both melancholic and grand.
Turning Points of History
The foundations of Silyon were laid by the legendary heroes Mopsos and Calchas after the Trojan War. Resisting Alexander in the 4th century BC, the city maintained its independence during the Roman period and served as a vital fortress-city in the Byzantine and Seljuk eras. A major landslide in 1969 caused many significant structures on the western slope to collapse into the valley.
Practical Information
- Location: Near Yanköy, Serik. 35 km from Antalya, 15 km from Serik.
- Transportation: Follow the Yanköy turn on the Antalya-Alanya road. Private vehicle is necessary.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Note: The terrain is steep; wear sturdy shoes and stay on marked paths due to landslide risks.
