Water flows again after 1,800 years at ancient Kestros Fountain in Türkiye’s Perge
The fountain, believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century A.D., began flowing again after 1800 years in Perge Ancient City, Antalya, Türkiye, November 22, 2024. (AA Photo)
In a significant archaeological achievement, the Kestros Fountain in the ancient city of Perge has started flowing with water again after nearly 1,800 years. The fountain, which dates back to the second century A.D. and was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian, has been revitalized through extensive restoration efforts supported by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Restoration efforts supported by local authorities, ministries
The restoration project began in 2022 with the support and encouragement of the Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and the Antalya Museum.
Aytac Donmez, Assistant Director of Excavations at Perge, highlighted the role of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which provided the necessary funding to bring this project to fruition. “Thanks to the budget provided by our ministry this year, the Kestros Fountain has finally regained its flow after 1,800 years,” said Donmez.
Connecting past and present with Kestros River
The Kestros Fountain once carried water from the Kestros River (modern Aksu Stream), located three kilometers east of the city. This river was associated with the ancient river god Kestros, whose figure can be seen in the fountain.
The fountain’s restoration allows it to once again transport water to the heart of the ancient city, preserving a vital link to its glorious past.
Extensive archaeological work in Perge
Excavation efforts in Perge, a city renowned for its marble sculpture and historical significance as the capital of Pamphylia, have been ongoing since 1946. The city is known for its well-preserved Roman-era monuments, including towers, theaters, stadiums, baths, monumental fountains, and columned streets. It has been listed on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List since 2009.
Donmez emphasized that extensive excavations have uncovered many of the city’s major structures, and significant finds have been made in the city’s east street, stadium, amphitheater, and macellum. These ongoing efforts are part of a broader project to return Perge to its former splendor through excavation, restoration, and conservation.
The restoration of the Kestros Fountain is being conducted in phases. While only the first 100 meters of the fountain have been restored and conserved, Donmez outlined plans for future work.
“The most important feature of the fountain is that the water, just as it did in ancient times, is sourced from the Kestros River. In the second phase of the restoration, we aim to restore the entire fountain, integrating new architectural findings that will help us complete the project,” Donmez explained.
The long-term goal is to display the restored fountain in its entirety, showcasing the historical engineering and artistry of the Roman period.
With the fountain now flowing once again, authorities anticipate that the restoration will attract more tourists to Perge. Donmez expressed hopes that this iconic site would enhance the region’s cultural tourism, drawing visitors eager to witness the revival of a monument that once served as a crucial water source for the city.
The revitalization of Kestros Fountain is a momentous achievement for Türkiye’s archaeological community, marking not only a return to the past but also a step forward in the preservation of ancient monuments. As restoration efforts continue, Perge’s Kestros Fountain will once again stand as a testament to the ingenuity and culture of the Roman Empire.
