Ancient City of LyrbeIt is located in the Bucakseyhler Village of the Manavgat district of Antalya. Although it is known for its agora as the best preserved city among the Pamphylia cities, its name has been heard very little and its visitors are very few. The ancient city, located only 7 km from Manavgat Waterfall, is hidden among pine forests. Unfortunately, the forest fires that occurred in the summer of 2021 in our country have reached the ancient city. Where is the ancient city of Lyrbe, also known as Seleukeia, how to get there, what is the entrance fee, what are the visiting hours, its history and all the information about what you will see when you go await you in this article, have a pleasant reading!
What You Will Find In This Article
Where is Lyrbe Ancient City and How to Go?
The Ancient City is 12 km from Manavgat city center and only 8 km from Manavgat Waterfall. It is located near Bucakseyhler Village. You can easily reach here by your own vehicle, through a narrow road in the forest. Lyrbe is 84 km from the center of Antalya, 16 km from Side and 70 km from Alanya. On the Google Maps application of the ancient city click for location.
If you want to use public transportation, you can take the minibuses that come from Manavgat to Bucakseyhler Village. Let me remind you that you have to walk 3 km from the village to the ancient city.
Lyrbe Ancient City Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours
The entrance to Lyrbe is free and since there is no checkpoint, there is no restriction for visiting hours, unfortunately. I say unfortunately because the ancient city seems derelict in its current state. When we went, the tourists were playing with the pillars. There is a need to establish a security point in the city as soon as possible.
Since there is no regulation in the ancient city, I recommend that you take the materials you need, such as water and food. The heat can be overwhelming, especially if you're coming in the summer. Therefore, the best time to visit the ancient city is autumn, winter and spring.
History of Lyrbe
The ancient city is one of the Pamphylian cities that dominate around Antalya. Although the cities of Pamphylia were generally founded on the sea coast, Lyrbe was a mountain city. Although the city was active in the Hellenistic and Roman Periods, it was not used during the Seljuk and Ottoman Periods and was abandoned to its fate, as understood from the ruins.
A well-known name of the city. Seleucia. The reason why it took this name is because it was one of the commanders of Alexander the Great. WORKIt is said to have been founded by Eleukos Nikator. Known as the sailors' logbook; In the texts of "Stadiasmus Maris Magni", where the ports are listed, directions and distances The city mentioned as Seleukeia was thought to be Lyrbe and the city was called by this name for a long time. However, when it was later revealed that that city was a port city, it was understood that Lyrbe was another city.
Prof. from Istanbul University between 1972-1979 in the city. Dr. Excavations were conducted under the direction of Jale Inan. The statues and mosaics unearthed during the excavations, the Seven Sages Mosaic and the Orpheus Mosaic, the most special works among them, are on display at the Antalya Archeology Museum. The artifacts found in the following years are exhibited in the Side Archeology Museum.
Lyrbe (Seleucia) Places to Visit in the Ancient City
When the ancient city is surrounded by deep cliffs on three sides, only the south direction walls surrounded by The entrance to the ancient city is made through the monumental gate located between these city walls and providing the entrance to the city. There are two monumental towers on either side of the gate.
in the city center now exists. Due to the city's location, the agora, whose western part is leaning against the hillside, faces the square as a two-storey structure in the east. To the west of the agora, which was built during the Hellenistic Period, there are two buildings named gallery I and gallery II.
The building where the Seven Sages Mosaic was found in the north of the Agora library Features.
Also in the ancient city bath complex, temples, church, cistern and necropolis exists. Based on these ruins, it is estimated that the city was a highly developed and powerful city during the Roman Period.
A regular signage was made in the ancient city, so you can easily understand which building was used for what purpose. Since the navigable area of the city is not very large, it is possible to visit and finish quickly.
Places to Visit near the Ancient City
There are many popular touristic spots of Antalya around the ancient city. Side Antique City, which is only 16 km from the ancient city, and Manavgat Waterfall, which is 8 km away, as well as Oymapınar Dam, Green Canyon, Tilkiler Cave are other places you can see near the ancient city.
Lyrbe Video
You can see the video below about Lyrbe, which we visited in October 2021. A large part of the ancient city was affected by the fires in our country in August 2021, and you will see it much more clearly in the video. Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to my channel.
Lyrbe Photos
Lyrbe photos used in this article are below. Let me remind you that all usage rights of the photos belong to me.
Ancient City of Lyrbe Ancient City of Lyrbe 
Ancient City of Lyrbe 
Ancient City of Lyrbe
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