Cadianda - yesiluzumlu - (Pt 2 Lycian ruins)

In my last post I gave details of the periods of habitation from the 5th century BC through the Hellenistic and Roman periods to the 7th century AD.  

So once you have driven or walked to the summit of the pine forested hill you reach the ancient settlement of Cadianda. 

A little mist on the way up, but fantastic pine forest near the summit and a very drivable track that has been improved vastly during recent years

Once on the site, most of the well marked route is easily followed although there is a little scrambling over a few walls along the way.

Cadianda Necropolis is dotted around the hill side close to the city walls, some of the burial chambers are now open chambers while some are still partially closed.

the amount of structures that still lie beneath the ground and out of sight is unknown however this part of the Necropolis shows some chambers partially buried .... if you pardon the pun. 

As you walk past the necropolis and gain more height on the mountain side you will pass some parts of the lower city walls.

walking further on you will next come to the Heroon (a shrine dedicated to a past hero or person of importance).     

                     

The platform is still in very good condition but debris of plinths, pillars and some incredible sculptured stonework lie abandoned and in disarray

Parts of the upper city walls

and the view towards the Taurus Mountains

Next on the trail is the Agora (a meeting place)

and then the Hamam (Communal baths)

The for me one of the best structures on site is the Stadium. 

It doesn't take much imagination to see the running or throwing area (although the tree dead center would probably irritate any competitors), while on one side the incredibly preserved stadium seats and probably a competitors bath or changing area at the end.

the Temple remains can just about be seen behind the stadium seating in the forest

the magnificent Theatre 

I presume this part of the city has taken a battering over the centuries and has probably been rebuilt in places , however most of the damage lays unattended and in a state of ruin which adds a certain charm when he come across this place as he start to leave the upper city walls.

I have taken many images of this brilliant structure over the years and here are a handful of images in no particular order.

so who invented the Recaro seat.....

on the way back down some of the City walls are spectacular with incredible masonry work apparently designed and shaped to allow the structure to stand the test of time without any form of cement

just lying around the place

So which way back to the village of Uzumlu?

for the bird watching readers of my blog this is a guaranteed spot for Krupers Nuthatch

This fabulous place is only a few kilometers from my house in the village, how incredibly lucky am I

Cadianda - yesiluzumulu (Pt 1 - Setting the scene and the surrounding scenery)

Cadianda was a town in ancient Lycia and was founded around 3000 BC although the oldest remains that can be seen on this site are from 5th century BC. Most of the ruins that can be seen are from the Hellenistic and Roman periods through to about 4th century AD. It is believed that the last settlements were in the 7th century AD.

Liz and myself are very fortunate to have this magnificent ruined site virtually on our doorstep. There is an untarmacked but well preserved track that can be driven up with care that only takes 20 minutes from our village, but there are a number of walking tracks to the site that take upto two hours through the forest depending on the heat and how much physical exursion you want to apply.   

Situated above Yesiluzumlu on a steep and heavily pine forested mountain the extensive ruined site gives magnificent views to the coast and Fethiye and to the Western Taurus Mountains.

There is a small charge to enter the site in summer months if the ticket booth is manned, a small car park and toilet is available before you enter the site.

 The site has a path to follow that ensures you see all the major constructions and view points as it winds through the wooded Pine forest that dominates the site, however most of the ruins are thought to be underground as the topography of the landscape has changed over the many centuries through erosion, landslides and probably minor earthquakes, however what you can see is still incredible.

Fantastic scenery as you leave the village of Uzumlu either walking or driving along the Cadianda road towards the base of the Cadianda mountain

Glorious scenery part way up the Cadianda mountain road and looking towards both Geyran mountain in the foreground and the snow capped Western Taurus Mountains.

and of course it can look so much different when the weather turns 

The following images are from the direction of walking from the village straight up the mountainside

Cadianda site information as you reach the summit, Peter, Mike and Liz 

Peter, Liz and Mike enjoy the mountain view

Mountain goats coming down the track and sending a dusty cloud up as they brake to a halt.... maybe surprised to see anyone walking up hill in this heat.....

We found this farmers picnic table on the way up as the goats came down at speed

Even the goat appreciate this natural water source

Part 2 will show the Lycian ruins of Cadianda in pictures