Anemurium: Anatolia’s southernmost tip

Anemurium, near Cape Anamur, is the closest you can get to Cyprus when in Turkey. This is the southernmost point of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, and it honors its name by being delightfully windswept on a hot summer day. Well yes, ‘anemos’ is the Greek word for wind, and after visiting this place, we have a slight suspicion that this isn’t a coincidence. In any case, Anemurium has more to offer than a cooling breeze. This ancient site enjoys an awe-inspiring seaside setting and holds many surprises for the observant visitor. Join us for a tour of Anemurium in this article.

A Handful Over The Around 350 Tombs In The Necropolis

Anemurium in history

The first settlements at Anemurium are recorded in the 4th century BC. Still, it wasn’t until the period between the 1st en the 4th century AD that the center became genuinely magnificent as a Roman city. Most of what is still visible today dates back to that period. Later, in the Byzantine Era, the city still flourished during the 5th and 6th centuries AD. After an earthquake around 580 AD, and the pressure of both Arabs and pirates, Anemurium was abandoned in 660 AD.

Looking Down Towards The See And The Odeion

Part Of The Kilometers Long City Walls Seen From The Beach

Looking Towards Anamur

Remains Of One Of The Two Aqueducts

Look At That Necropolis On That Slope!

The excavations

Anemurium is an active excavation site. Ever since the first initial surveys of the Roman cemeteries were carried out in 1962 to 1965, researchers realized that there was a lot more to discover in Anemurium than the over 300 tombs that were mapped. Topographical maps were made that also included the cities’ most significant buildings.

Fascinating To Watch These Mosaic Floors Being Restored

In 1966, excavation works started, and they have been virtually ongoing ever since. This is a vast site, and one of those places where new discoveries or restorations will undoubtedly reward return visits, just like it is the case with Laodicea, Stratonikeia, or Knidos. In several areas, teams are at work. Some are unearthing new finds; others are carrying out restoration or clearing works. It is a fascinating and exciting spectacle.

Read more about some of the discoveries made by James Russell’s team here.

Partly Restored Church At Anemurium

The Precious Floors Are Covered For Protection

Surprising Anemurium

Always Look At Things From A Different Perspective!

Exploring the ruins at Anemurium

The first thing that catches the eye when you arrive at Anemurium is the Upper Necropolis. Stretched over an entire hill flank, you’ll see around 350 individually built tombs from the Roman Empire. Most of them are simple barrel-vaulted structures, many of which are very well preserved. Inside is an inner grave chamber where the dead were laid on arched benches. The family would gather in the front room to make offerings.

Just A Tiny Part Of The Massive Necropolis

Looking Up Towards The Necropolis

Typical View Of Anemurium’s Upper Part And Necropolis

Detail Of Some Of The Tombs At The Necropolis

Double Arches, Love It!

Part Of The Necropolis At Anemurium Seen From The Lower Part Of The City

The partially restored Necropolis Church that you see today was built at a later stage on the foundations of an older chapel.

Spotted A Restored Part Of The Necropolis Church

The Necropolis Church

Modern Life Is Just Around The Corner

From A Distance, The Necropolis Church Looks Like A Tower

Several of the Baths are well-preserved. The Small Baths feature a stunning mosaic-covered dome, while the Central and Public Baths offer a better insight into the scale of the city during its heydays. The Publics Baths date back to the late 2nd century and had shops and residential quarters on the first floor. The impressive staircase is still in place today. The Baths were elaborately decorated with wall paintings and mosaic floors, of which traces are still visible. The cities’ two aqueducts supplied the water for the Baths.

The Small Baths At Anemurium

At The Side Of The Public Baths

Parts Of What Is Left Of The Public Baths’ Mosaic Floor

View Towards The Public Baths

Public Baths At Ground Level

Remnants Of The Central Baths

Part Of The Central Baths At Anemurium

The Upper Floor Of The Public Baths

The Odeion at Anemurium is said to be the best-preserved in Turkey and one of the best-preserved in the entire former Roman Empire. It dates back to the 2nd century AD and has a capacity of 900 seats for people to enjoy concerts and recitals, though it may also have been used as a council house.

The Remarkably Well Preserved 900 Seat Odeion

The Odeion Has A Rectangular Floor plan

About To Enter The Odeion

Even In Those Parts With Fewer Remains, The Site Is Still Impressive

Final thoughts on visiting Anemurium

Anemurium is one of those sites that slowly reveal their gems as you take more time to explore it. The setting, right on the slopes of Cape Anamur all the way down to the natural beach, is hard to beat. This allows for every type of visitor to have a pleasant day out. You can opt for the full monty, working your way up and down the site discovering the tombs of the Necropolis, as well as the civil structures.

One Of The Churches Seen From Afar

Life At The Beach At Anemurium

Inside The Public Baths

Or you could have a short stroll from the parking lot to the beach and have a peek at the Central and Public Baths, and stop for a quick selfie at the Odeion after admiring the restored mosaics en-route. Whatever your preferred activity is, Anemurium is worth seeing. Also, don’t forget to combine it with Mamure Castle, only a few kilometers away, which is said to have served as an outer protective castle for Anemurium at one point in its history.

Have a sneak peek at Mamure Castle here.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out this cabin. It is ON the beach! Heaven on earth, or at least in Anamur! For more practical information, head over to the tabs below.

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