Patara

Patara

The historic and thriving marine and commercial city of Patara served as Lycia's capital for a while. The location is in Antalya Province, next to the settlement of Gelemiş, on the Turkish coast.

Saint Nicholas spent the majority of his life at the neighboring town of Myra after being born there in 270.
The site has only been partially excavated and refurbished. Archaeologists and unauthorized developers have fought over the site's archeology and protection.In Hittite writings, Patara was called Patar: "King Tudhaliya IV (1236-1210 BC), after the Lukka expedition, came to this city with his army and made offerings."

The location is a plain encircled by hills, and it once had a sizable natural harbor before it was silted up. Tepecik Hill, northeast of the harbor, is home to a Bronze Age settlement and the acropolis where the city was first established. Later, the city expanded westward and southward from the hill.After an earthquake in 147 AD, Antoninus Pius restored the theater, which has a 265-foot circle and can accommodate roughly 6000 people.The prytaneion, also known as the Bouleuterion, has been extensively renovated and is in good preservation. It was the Lycian League's capital assembly hall, with a view of the Agora theater to the east. It housed roughly 1400 people when it was built in the early 1st century BC. A tribunalia, with seats designated for governors, sits in the middle of the cavea.

The incorporation of Lycia as a Roman province, most likely under Claudius (r. 43–51 AD) or Nero (r. 51–69), is associated with the earliest changes, when the cavea was enlarged and the semicircular wall in the west was connected to the northern and southern walls. It was also intended to serve as a concert theater, but following a significant earthquake in 142/143 AD, a stage construction was constructed inside and a stoa was added outside (Odeion). It was added as a bastion to the new fortress wall in the fifth century AD.

Because it was the only location in the Xanthos Valley with a sea view, the ancient city of Patara endured for ages. Because Patara is the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, popularly known as "Santa Claus," the city holds religious significance as well. We also know that St. Paul traveled to Rome by water from here.The route to Patara is roughly 20 km west of Kalkan, 45 km west of Kaş, and 475 km west of Antalya. From D-400, Patara is accessible by vehicle, bus, or taxi. From Kalkan or Kaş, minibuses will drop you off at Ovaköy, from which you may take a 3.5-kilometer cab ride to Patara or Gelemiş hamlet.

You can mix history, sand surfing, and horseback riding on a day excursion to Patara, which is a few miles west of Kalkan. Patara was formerly a significant port town in Lycia, and according to legend, Apollo was born there. It is also certain that St. Nicholas was born there. Patara is rich in natural beauty as well as history. The town had a sizable natural harbor that is now silted up but still visible, and it is located on a plain that is encircled by hills. One of the longest and most stunning beaches in Turkey is Patara Beach, which is 18 kilometers long. It is the ideal location for leisure and water sports because of its golden sands and pristine waterways. Because it serves as a nesting location for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), the beach is also protected.With such a long Mediterranean coastline, there's a beach for every type of sun worshipper in Turkey, but Patara is among its most famous swathes of sand.Trailing for 18 kilometers along the shoreline, the beach offers plenty of space, so even in the height of summer, you can still find a quiet spot far away from the crowds.Adding to the experience, just behind the sand, are the vast ruins of Ancient Patara, which include a colonnaded street, restored bouleuterion (the parliament of the city), and a theater that sat 5,000 people.In addition to the historic city, Patara National Park is home to a variety of ecosystems, such as woods, marshes, and sand dunes. This park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, with a wide variety of plants and animals. The park's distinctive terrain provides fantastic hiking and photographic opportunities.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Patara is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, but the beach provides a refreshing escape.
Accommodation: There are several accommodation options in Patara, ranging from boutique hotels and guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels. Staying in the nearby village of Gelemiş is also a convenient option.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste local Turkish cuisine. Enjoy dishes like kebabs, mezes (appetizers), fresh seafood, and traditional desserts such as baklava and Turkish delight.
 
 

By Admin

26 May 2025

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