A Lycian Epic Reaching Vienna
Located on a steep plateau near Demre, Trysa is a special city that has left its mark on world archaeology with the "Trysa Heroon." This is not just a city of stones; it is like a massive library where Homer’s epics, seven climates, and mythology are carved into stone.
Turning Points of History
The history of Trysa dates back to the 5th century BC. Although the city was never a major political power, it hosted a unique monumental tomb culture thanks to the local dynasties' passion for art. Its famous reliefs, discovered in the 1880s, are now among the most precious pieces of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. However, the soul of the city still lives in its fortifications and sarcophagi, carrying the traces of that magnificent view.
Poetry of Stones: Heroon and Walls
The most important structure of the city, the Heroon, was surrounded by reliefs approximately 3 meters high. These reliefs depicted scenes from the Odyssey, the war of the Amazons, and the epic of the seven commanders. The remaining fortification walls and rock tombs still whisper the city's strategic importance and aesthetic understanding.
Practical Information
- Location: Near Davazlar Village, Demre district.
- Transportation: Take the Davazlar turn from the Kaş-Demre road. The final part is steep terrain requiring a hike.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Visiting Hours: Daylight hours.
- Note: Although one must go to Vienna to see the original reliefs, visiting here is essential to breathe in the atmosphere and the view.
