Pinara

Pinara is a striking ancient city at the foot of a huge rock massif, surrounded by pine forest and far from the crowds. Hundreds of tombs carved into the sheer cliff face look like a giant honeycomb from afar. A well-preserved theatre, the relief-decorated Royal Tomb and sweeping mountain views give visitors a true sense of discovery. For lovers of both nature and history, it is one of the most atmospheric trips from Kalkan.

History

According to ancient sources, Pinara was founded by settlers from Xanthos, and its name is thought to mean “round hill” in Lycian. As one of the six cities holding the most votes in the Lycian League, it played an important role in the region. Its people honoured Pandarus, the legendary archer who fought for the Lycians in the Trojan War, as a local hero. The city continued into Roman times, suffered heavy earthquake damage and was gradually abandoned after the Byzantine era.

Don’t miss

1. Hundreds of tombs cut into the cliff
2. The relief-decorated Royal Tomb
3. Ancient theatre with mountain views
4. Remains of the odeon and agora
5. Monumental tombs among the pines