Uzuncaburç (Diocaesarea)
Uzuncaburç
A Hellenistic ancient city in the Taurus Mountains with a well-preserved Corinthian colonnade of the Temple of Zeus, a tall tower, a theatre and a triumphal arch. It is the finest archaeological site in Cilicia.
Diocaesarea lies in a mountain village about 30 km north of Silifke, at an altitude of about 1,100 meters. In antiquity it was the religious centre of the Olba priest-kingdom. Its highlight is the Temple of Zeus Olbios, dating from the 3rd century BC, and most of its more than 30 Corinthian columns are still standing. The name of the village means 'tall tower', referring to the five-story Hellenistic tower north of the city. There are also a Roman theatre, a colonnaded street, the Temple of Tyche and city gates. About 4 km away, at Ura, are the remains of a Roman aqueduct bridge. Tickets are required, or you can use a museum pass. It is about 1.5 hours by car from Mersin, and it is best combined with a day trip to Silifke.
Opening hours
about 08:00–19:00 (earlier closing in winter)
Nearby sights
- Silifke Castle
- Frederick Barbarossa Memorial
- Silifke Museum
- Adamkayalar
- Cennet and Cehennem Sinkholes
- Astım Cave (Wishing Cave)
- Hagia Thekla (Ayatekla)
- Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum