2,000-year-old Patara Lighthouse reborn on Türkiye’s coast

In a significant development for the preservation of Türkiye’s rich heritage, the restoration of the 2,000-year-old Patara Lighthouse has been completed. This monumental structure, located in Kas, Antalya, is now poised to shine once again after centuries of darkness.

Patara: A historical gem reborn

The restoration efforts gained momentum after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared 2020 the “Year of Patara,” marking the city’s significant historical and archaeological value. Following these efforts, the ancient lighthouse in Patara, part of the ancient Lycian capital, is now restored to its former glory.

The lighthouse, originally built by Emperor Nero in 64 A.D., stood as a beacon for sailors along the Mediterranean coast before being damaged by an earthquake and tsunami in 1481 A.D.

Patara Lighthouse: A symbol of ancient engineering

The lighthouse, with a height of 26 meters, was an essential navigational aid during the Roman era. Its restoration is a part of ongoing efforts to revive Patara’s historical monuments.

Professor Havva Iskan Isik, head of the excavation team, shared an update on social media, revealing that the tower restoration was now complete. “After final checks, the scaffolding will be removed, and the crane will lift the tower into place,” she confirmed.

Birthplace of Apollo, historic significance

Patara, often celebrated for its connection to Apollo, has always been a place of great significance in ancient history. Mentioned by the famed historian Herodotus, Patara was known as Patar in Hittite texts dating back to the 13th century B.C. As a crucial port city on the Xanthos River, it played a pivotal role in ancient Lycian civilization.

In addition to its historical significance, Patara is renowned for its stunning 18-kilometer (11.1 miles) beach and well-preserved ruins.

Key landmarks include the Triumphal Arch, the Hurmalik Bath, and the remarkable theater, which could hold up to 10,000 spectators. Visitors can also explore the ancient aqueduct system, which carried water from the nearby Kiziltepe slopes, and the magnificent Patara Theatre, recently cleaned from centuries of sand accumulation.

Patara’s democratic legacy

Baron de Montesquieu, the famous philosopher, lauded the governance structure of the Lycian League, calling it “the most perfect example of a republic” in his book The Spirit of Laws. The capital city of Patara housed the grand Council Chamber (Bouleuterion), where this ancient form of democracy was practiced.

Today, Patara continues to captivate visitors with its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, drawing tourists from all over the world. It is also the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, who is revered as the figure behind the global legend of Santa Claus.

How to get to Patara

Patara is located 16 kilometers (9.94 miles) from Kalkan, 43 kilometers from Kas, and 75 kilometers from Fethiye.

The best way to reach Patara is via the Kas-Fethiye highway, where directional signs guide visitors to the ancient site. The nearest airports are Dalaman Airport, 115 kilometers away, and Antalya Airport, 195 kilometers away.

Once in Gelemis Village, visitors can access the site by passing through the entrance gate, where the ancient city begins.

Patara’s vast ruins stretch over a large area, so tourists should allocate plenty of time for exploring and walking. After visiting the ancient site, visitors can also enjoy the public beach that stretches out beyond the city.