It’s not hard to understand why this name was given. This beautiful ancient city, located in the borders of Arif Village in the middle of Finike – Elmalı road in Antalya, was built on the slopes of a steep cliff. The cliffs in the northern part, called Şahinkaya, and the steep cliffs in the east and west show that the defensive position is influential in the choice of the location. Another reason that cannot be discovered immediately is the large number of water springs in the vicinity.

The common feature of the rich cities in the Lycian region is that they were the scene of commercial activities. Apart from the port cities, cities located on busy roads benefited from this wealth as well.

Despite being far from the sea, it was its location on the main trade routes of the region that enabled the development of Arycanda, whose magnificence and magnitude can be understood from its existing structures.

The city, which grew as a safe accommodation especially during Roman times and enriched with timber trade, was completely abandoned after a while due to earthquakes and Arab raids. However, even today, it continues to fascinate its visitors with its well-preserved structures and splendor.

Although its history is known to go back much older, the oldest remains discovered in the settlement are the rock tombs and the Temple of Helios dating to the 4th century BC.

Most of the existing buildings date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AC, during which Arycanda lived its most brilliant period.

Some of the remarkable structures are the Odeon which is dated to the reign of Emperor Hadrian and was once a stage for concerts and recitals, the small but one of the best preserved theatres in the region right behind the Odeon, the stadion where sports shows and competitions were held, the shops some which carved into rocks within the agora which can be called the heart of the city, Bouleuterion which was the parliament building of the city, the temple built in the name of Helios, God of the Sun, and the villas, some which have mosaic floor covering.

The largest religious structure in the settlement is the basilica dated to the beginning of the 4th century AC. Considering that Christianity was legally accepted in 313 AC, it can be understood that it is one of the earliest structures of this religion. The ‘Great Bath – Gymnasion Complex’ is the most magnificent structure of Arycanda that has survived to the present day.

There are monumental tombs in the necropolis, i.e. the cemetery. The waterways carved into the rocks that transport spring water to the city, which is an important factor in the selection of the settlement, can still be seen. It is known that the distribution of the water in the city was achieved by means of channels under the main streets.

Arranged in gradual terraces due to its location, Arycanda is an impressive city with its historical buildings and panoramic views over the whole valley. It is possible to visit the ancient city under pine and cedar trees without feeling too much of the sun.