Syedra Antik Kenti
A port city built 400 metres above sea level between Alanya and Gazipaşa. Its cisterns, colonnaded street and recently uncovered mosaics make it one of the least known but most scenic ancient cities in the area.
Syedra was a Cilician and Pamphylian border city founded in the 7th century BC and abandoned in the 13th century AD. The settlement has two levels: the harbour at sea level and the city proper on the steep slope above. The ancient road linking them is still used as a walking path.
In the upper city the most striking remains are the large cisterns cut into rock and the colonnaded street. Floor mosaics uncovered in recent excavations — particularly scenes of the labours of Herakles — show the city's Roman-era wealth. The bath complex and churches also survive largely intact.
Syedra's greatest asset is its position, like a balcony over the Mediterranean. On a clear day the Alanya peninsula lies in one direction and the Gazipaşa coast in the other. It is about 20 km from central Alanya, with a steep, winding final climb. Visitors are so few that you usually have the ruins to yourself.
- Best time
- Spring and autumn
- Budget
- Free
Tips
- The final stretch is steep and winding; low cars may struggle.
- Shade is scarce — go in the morning or late afternoon.
- The mosaics are protected; take care not to step on them.