The ancient city of Sillyon in the district of Serik is approximately 40 km from Antalya and 15 km from Serik. Sillyon is one of the cities of Pamphylia. It is between Perge and Aspendos, on a hill that can be seen from both cities, with almost completely steep and steep slopes and a flat top.
It is accepted that the Ancient City of Sillyon, one of the richest cities of Antiquity, was founded by the heroes named Mopsos and Calchas after the Trojan War. The name of the city, which started to print its own money in the 3rd century BC, is mentioned on the coins as Sylviys. It was probably called the Sillyon during the Roman Period. The city was a bishopric center during the Byzantine Period and also lived in the Seljuk Period, has a deep-rooted historical past.
Today, the ancient ruins of the city, most of which are in ruins, are spread over the hill slopes. Walls, towers and trenches were erected in the western and southwestern parts of the city. The slope is the least of the city, which did not need to be surrounded by walls because it had a strong defense system due to its location and could not be easily captured. On the west side of the hill on which the city was founded, there is the entrance gate and the acropolis surrounded by walls reflecting Hellenistic architecture. When you go up the hill, in the northwest direction are the remains of streets and houses, and in the west; A mosque from the Seljuk Period, a church and a cistern from the Byzantine Period are visible. On the southwestern slopes of the hill, there is a theater with a capacity of 8,000 people and an odeon next to it. Large water cisterns can be seen around the theater.
In the Ancient City of Sillyon, which you will reach after a difficult climb, you can come across meticulous stonemasonry and technical refinements that attract attention, especially in defense. After the journey, which will be worth all the tiredness, you can travel on an unforgettable time while visiting the city. The city offers impressive panoramas with its location dominating its surroundings.
