Olympos Ancient City is in the Kumluca district of Antalya. It is within the borders of Beydağları – Olympos National Park and takes its name from Tahtalı Mountain, 16 km to the north. Its distance from Antalya is approximately 87 km, and its distance from Kumluca is 28 km. Known as the 'House of the Gods' and one of the most beautiful spots on the Lycian Way, Olympos offers its visitors a miraculous atmosphere where nature and history are intertwined.
Olympos Ancient City is the second important port city after Phaselis Ancient City on the southern coast of Antalya. It is not known its exact foundation date, but it is mentioned in the Lycian Union coins minted between 167 – 168 BC and has three voting rights in the Lycian Union.
The ruins of the city have survived to the present day and reveal the glorious history of the period. It belongs to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Periods. The ruins are mostly from east to west, at the mouth of a river that meets the sea, and on both sides. The river bed divided the city into two was enclosed in a canal, and both sides were used as piers and connected by a bridge. One leg of the bridge is still in place. Most of the ruins are in the forest, covered with trees and bushes. There is a small theater on the south bank of the river, the entrance is well-protected on one side, and the other side is quite dilapidated. Another important structure is the door belonging to the temple. It is understood to have been built by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius from the statue base in front of the door and is approximately 150 meters west of the river mouth. The most interesting artifact that stands out among the ruins is the sarcophagus of Captain Eudomus, which was unearthed during the excavations carried out by the Antalya Museum. The sarcophagus is in the hollow of the rock near the mouth of the river on the way to the beach. It is important that the captain's name is mentioned in its emotional inscription, and the shape of the captain's ship is included in the relief on its long side.
Olympos is also a popular holiday destination. Accommodation can be made in bungalows and treehouses surrounded by greenery. It is in the area extending from the ancient city to the interior. Many businesses with different concepts have been opened recently. There are also businesses near the beach where you can stay in tents in the form of camping. Tourists can reach the Olympos beach, which is considered one of Turkey's most beautiful beaches, by passing through the ruins and breathing the historical air.
