The
road from Mersin to Silifke closely follows the coast, passing by pine
forests and orange groves. On one side lie the ruins of cities, basilicas
and tombs, on the other a series of small secluded coves with sandy beaches.
13km wst of Mersin, a row of Corinthian columns that once lined the main
street, remain at Viransehir (ancient Pompeiopolis), founded in 700 B.C.
by Rhodians. At Kanlidivane are the ruins of ancient Kanytelis, with tombs
resembling small temples, churches and sarcophagi dating from Roman and
Byzantine times. The city itself and the ruins are allon the sides of a
deep chasm.
Kizkalesi, a holiday resort and the ancient site of Korykos, has fine sandy beaches, motels and camp sites. The castle of Korykos on shore faces another fort, Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle), that stands on a tiny island 200 meters offshore. Formerly a sea wall joined the two fortresses.
Just
beyond Kizkalesi, on a bay lined with fish restauants at the little fishing
village of Narlikuyu, is a Roman mosaic depicting the Three Graces. Farther
on are the deep chasms known as Cennet Cehennem (Heaven and Hell). In the
Vale of Heaven are the ruins of a fifth century chapel. Nearby ýn
the deep Narlikuyu Cave, full of stalagmites and stalactites, the humid
air is believed to aid suffers of respiratory diseases. The Mausoleum of
the Fearless King (Mezgit Kalesi) is 12km. north of Susanoglu Beach and
2,5 km. east of Pasli Village. The mausoleum facade is 8 meters high, with
Corinthian columns and a 1 meter heigh relief of Priapos on the base. It
is the largest mausoleum and dates from Roman times.
If this sport interests you, visit Kosrelik Bay and Kosrelik Island. Off the coast of Kosrelik Bay, you will find Roman ruins and beautiful mosaics in Afrodisias, 18km southeastof Ovacik. Aydincik, to the west of Ovacik, clearly marks the surrounding sailing waters ensuring safety for the yachts that play this breathtaking stretch of coast. The shore road that clings to the pine-clad mountain slopes, which plunge steeply down to the sea, offers spectacular views of cliffs, coves and the brillant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Another 36 km. to the west of Aydincik, Bozyazi is a holiday center with clean and roomy camping sites along its wide beaches. The fine, well- preserved Anamur Castle, set between two curving sandy beaches, commands a splendid view of the coastline Originally built by the Crusaders in the Midlle Ages, it later served as an Ottoman stronghold. 138 km. from Silifke and a few km inland, the town of Anamur, is nestled in the mountains with banana plantations surrounding it. Just west of town on a beautiful beach are the ruins of ancient Anamorium with double ramparts, a theater, odeon, bath and necropolis. Situated in tiers above the sea, its perfect for a climb to the top which overlooks one of the celanest and most pristine seasides in Turkey. |
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