It was built 1,050 meters above sea level and spreads over a wide area. It’s one of the best-preserved historic settlements in Turkey. This is a very impressive and important historical site to visit in Turkey.

The city Termessos is located on the Güllük Mountain, also known as Termessos National Park, rich with botanic vegetation. The site houses many endangered animals. Close to the National Park’s gate you will find a small museum that exhibits animals and plants unique to this environment.

Termessos is a hidden beauty among the wild plants and pine forests. You will find peaceful nature welcoming you while making your discoveries, away from the bustling touristic areas. You will also find that Termessos has a much more impressive atmosphere than many other ancient cities.

Among the remaining ruins are the city walls, Hadrian’s Triumphal Arch, the cisterns, the theater, the gymnasium, the agora, the odeon, and the heroon. You can find the general plan of the city in the parking area.

The History of Termessos
It’s not known exactly when the city was founded. According to the geographer Strabo, the inhabitants of Termessos, who were the Pisidian people, called themselves Solymi. Solymos was one of the Anatolian gods, who was identified with Zeus in the following years. His name was given to the mountain here. Solymos was frequently minted on Termessos coins. Solimos is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad in connection with the legend of Bellerophon.

However, in historical sources, Termessos does not appear until around 334 BC, when Alexander the Great moved through the area and did not attack the city due to its strategically strong position high in the mountains. Alexander the Great did not touch this city during his Asian expedition.

The people of Termessos lived comfortably in the Hellenistic and Roman periods as ‘friends and allies’ of the Roman people. The city belonged to the Roman province of Pamphylia.

Termessos, after a gradual decline, was finally abandoned in the 5th century. Since the ruins show obvious earthquake damage, it is reasonable to assume that an earthquake prompted the inhabitants to leave the city.

Due to its natural and historical wealth, the city is included in the National Park category. Termessos has not yet been subjected to archaeological excavation so far.