Antiochia ad Cragum
A Roman city founded in AD 42 at Güneyköy in Gazipaşa. The roughly 600 m² bath mosaic uncovered in 2012 is one of the largest Roman floor mosaics found in Turkey.
Antiochia ad Cragum was founded around AD 42 by Antiochus IV of Commagene; the 'ad Cragum' in its name points to the steep Mount Kragos on which it stands. Spread across slopes falling straight to the coast, the city was part of Cilicia Trachea, a region known in antiquity as a pirate haven.
Its most talked-about find today is the bath mosaic uncovered in 2012. The roughly 600 m² geometric floor is one of the largest Roman mosaics found in Turkey and showed the city to have been far wealthier than assumed. Excavations continue, and new sections open each season.
The remains include curtain walls, baths, chapels, a Roman necropolis and a wine press cut into rock. Thanks to its position over the sea, the view from the necropolis in particular is striking. It lies about 90 km east of central Alanya; you turn off the Gazipaşa road and climb to Güneyköy. Visitors are very few.
- Best time
- Spring and autumn
- Budget
- Budget
Tips
- The mosaic area is roofed; access can change during the excavation season.
- About 90 km from central Alanya — plan half a day.
- Don't miss the sea view from the necropolis side.