Anemurium: Anatolia’s southernmost tip
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
You will need to pay a small entrance fee to enter the site. There’s ample parking space on-site, but no other facilities so make sure to bring plenty of water and protection from the sun.
According to these reviews on TripAdvisor, we’re not the only ones to think that this place is worth your time. Do you have any questions about visiting Anemurium? You can send us a message through our contact page, or leave a comment on our Facebook page.
Clicking these links will take you to pages of places and products we love and we’ve tested. If you happen to book or buy something, we may earn a small commission from it, at no extra cost to you. So here’s a thank you for adding some coins to the tip-box! 😉
Don’t miss out on nearby Mamure Castle! It’s a great stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids. And while you’re in this area, buy some bananas, you’ll see why when you’re there! 😉
Clicking these links will take you to pages of places and products we love and we’ve tested. If you happen to book or buy something, we may earn a small commission from it, at no extra cost to you. So here’s a thank you for adding some coins to the tip-box! 😉
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!
We still love to use Booking.com when searching for the perfect hotel or vacation rental in Turkey. Unfortunately, the website isn’t accessible from within Turkey without the use of a VPN. If you don’t have a VPN, and you’re already in Turkey, Hotels.com is a good alternative.
Clicking these links will take you to pages of places and products we love and we’ve tested. If you happen to book or buy something, we may earn a small commission from it, at no extra cost to you. So here’s a thank you for adding some coins to the tip-box! 😉
Anemurium is easy to find from the main D400 road, just follow the signs right up to the entrance gate.
Are you relying on public transport? Then you’ll have to walk the last few kilometers to the site. When visiting in summer, taking a taxi is recommended.
When searching for flights, we like to use Skyscanner. It’s easy to use, and reliable. Find the best flights to Turkey and domestic flights that will take you all around the country here.
Do you prefer some good old road tripping? Once you get used to the unconventional driving style in Turkey, you’ll love to hit the road. After all, it’s all about the journey, and you may expect some very scenic rides! Renting a car in Turkey is easy. If you’re looking for an established car rental company that allows pick-up and drop-off at different airports, check out Europcar. They have offices all over Turkey.
Clicking these links will take you to pages of places and products we love and we’ve tested. If you happen to book or buy something, we may earn a small commission from it, at no extra cost to you. So here’s a thank you for adding some coins to the tip-box! 😉
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You may also like these posts:
Blaundos: why you shouldn’t label it ‘Stonehenge of Anatolia’
Blaundos is one of Uşak’s gems. This ancient site is surrounded by the world’s second-largest canyon and combines epic views with striking ruins.
The Asklepieion of Pergamon: mystic & sacred treatment center
At Pergamon’s Asklepieion, the sacred water spring is still flowing. This must-see site has a unique atmosphere with a mystic tunnel and fascinating ruins.
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Check the weather
Never wonder about the weather in Turkey again. The Turkish climate is as diverse as the country with significant differences between the regions.
This page contains the current weather and weather statistics for all regions in Turkey.
Prepare your trip
How to order a tourist visa for Turkey?
What about public transport?
Can you skip the line at Istanbul Airports?
General Turkey travel information, essential to help prepare your trip, on one page!
LISTS & REVIEWS
Bookmark your favorite places, find other destinations nearby, get directions from your location, and read or leave reviews.
Our Turkey Trip Planner wad designed to do just that. You'll find all our favorite spots in one place, including scenic road stops.
Map of Turkey
Do you like to see things on a map? On our interactive tourist map of Turkey, you'll spot nearby points of interest right away. We've done the heavy lifting for you. Just click on the icons to go to each post.
Enjoy our practical and inspirational map of Turkey!