Ruins of Tlos & Lycian Tombs : Home of the Winged Horse, Pegasus

With a passion for exploring historical sites in Turkey, I always considered myself knowledgeable about most ancient ruins. The Mediterranean coast in particular has plenty, providing Turkey with its most famous walking trail called the Lycian way. Yet, when I discovered an article about the ancient ruins of Tlos, I read it repeatedly because I had never heard of this city.

What was its history?

Why did historians say, it did and still holds immense importance, regarding cultural trends throughout the years?

More important, I had to learn where Tlos was and how to get there.

I was told they were in Xanthos valley, and my original plan was to visit, while in the coastal resort of Patara. To travel there, according to Google maps would take an hour. However, I could not find any public transport heading in that direction, the tour excursion shops were all closed, and I was not carrying my driving licence.

Therefore, I made the decision to forget about it, and moved further up the coastline to stay in the resort of Olu Deniz, Turkey. After arriving, I saw an excursion advert that visited many destinations including Tlos so I Immediately bought a ticket.

About Tlos Ruins on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey

I cannot understand why Tlos is not more frequently mentioned in guidebooks and history articles about Turkey. It is more than just a tourist attraction or bunch of unorganized ruins.

A tour guide or detailed book is needed to fully appreciate the historical importance however even if history is not your passion, the city walls, ampitheatre, public baths and market street all overlooked by the fortress and Lycian tombs are an astonishing testament to building and architectural trends throughout thousands of years.

Standing at the top of the hill, I was also rewarded with an amazing landscape view reminding me of the natural beauty of Turkey, away from big cities and urban development.

Resources write that Tlos, was one of the oldest and largest cities of the Lycian era. The Lycians dominated the Mediterranean coast of Turkey from the Bronze Age and in later years, were incorporated into various empires including the Romans.

Most notoriously known for creating the first democratic society, their language and traditions eventually disappeared but historical societies respect them for their art, building trends and fighting skills.

Due to habitation by various cultures, some ruins of Tlos also date from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empire, therefore giving more importance to their existence.

The Lycian Tombs of Tlos

A walk around the main city was easy to navigate and a gentle stroll, but the walk to the Lycian tombs and fortress at the top of the hill, was strenuous. It was worth the effort though and while looking inside the ruined tombs, it is impossible to ignore thoughts about previous people throughout history, who have stood in the same spot.

Although now empty and displaying no signs of grandeur, the tombs were the resting place of important people in the Lycian Empire. Laid to rest inside, with their possessions that would go with them into the afterlife, the high position on the hill, made it easier for the winged like creature that would transport them.

Home of Pegasus: The Winged Horse

On the far side of the city, in a steep cliff inaccessible by humans, is one tomb, said to be that of the Greek Mythology hero, Bellerophon and his immortal winged flying horse Pegasus. The history, mythological connection, Lycian tombs, and incredible landscape views make Tlos, one of my favourite historical sites in Turkey. Definitely visit if you are on the Mediterranean coast.

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Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.

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Comments

Kirsten says
at

We visited Tlos yesterday, more by accident than anything. It’s definitely been the highlight of our holiday so far. Not only the ruins but chatting with the family that owns the cafe and stone souvenir shop opposite (where there is a 500 year old plane tree!) who were so knowledgable and patient with us. We basically had our own local tour guides! We couldn’t believe how quiet it was there, given that we’d come from Saklikent which was rammed. Definitely recommend a visit and keep spreading the word, those of you in the know 🙂
Nat says
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I have never found a mention of it Yap but for me it was easier to join a tour because it went to other places at the same time. Nothing like having a chauffeur! 😉
Yap says
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I was in Xanthos and Letoon last year. I heard about Tlos while in Fethiye. The problem, from the perspective of a budget traveller like me, is the accessibility. Do you know of any public transport or dolmuses that go anywhere near Tlos? None of the Fethiye blogs mention any.
Natalie says
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Hi Robyn, Glad to meet a fellow fan of the country. Yes, please, do let me know about the dolmus. For Sinop, that is still on my bucket list. Hoping to get there in 2015
Robyn Daniels says
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Hi Natalie – love Turkey (lived here 3 years now) and love your blogs which encourage me to explore. Tlos is fairly local to where I live near Fethiye and although there are tours I do believe there is a local dolmus that takes you near there and you have a bit of a walk onwards from drop off point – will investigate and let you know as I plan on visiting soon – only driven through there on hire minibus on way to friend’s in past.

I also want to visit a place called Sinop on the Black Sea and wondered if you have visited and written a blog on the place xx
Robyn
Nat says
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Hi Scot, there are loads of places but much depends on whether you are using public transport, hiring a car to be independent or joining tours?
scott arnott says
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Hi, We are visiting Kalkan this summer having fallen on love with this part of Turkey last year. Tlos looks amazing. We went to Xanthos last year but will certainly make time to see Tlos. Are there any other must sees in the Area ?
Natalie says
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I think you would like it Corinne – Definitely put it on the To-Do-List
Corinne says
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Have not been to Tlos…and that is saying something. It makes me happy. I’ve been looking for a reason to go back and get my Turkey fix!
Natalie says
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We would have a ball touring the country and all the sites! I suppose the plus like you say, is the less popular, it is the more room for us

The photos seemed quite flat so I played around with the composure and lightening. Obviously went too far with it, but thanks for telling me. I need to know these things.
Claudia says
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Natalie! We don’t know each other in real life but I wish we did! I too absolutely love these amazing ruined cities that are scattered all over the country. I am glad that Tlos isn’t more popular. I have been twice and think it’s just fabulous. Don’t spread the word too far! We don’t want it to become touristic.
PS am I allowed to say this? I don’t like yr photos – are they instagram? You have played with them too much in my very humble opinion.
Natalie says
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Do it this year – you won’t regret it
Dan @ A Cruising Couple says
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Tlos looks spectacular! We’ve seen a couple of ruins throughout our travels but this one sure looks like a must. We have been aching to get to Turkey for a loooong time now.
Natalie says
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I love mythology as well – somehow seems all so romantic
Jennifer says
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These tombs are gorgeous! I love that you included a bit of the mythology. I was really in to mythology and I love being able to visit places said to be the locations in myths.
Natalie says
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Thanks for the recommendations Rudolf and well done for sight seeing as much as you did. Wonderful country isn’t it?
rudolf benirschke says
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I spent 2 tours in Turkey with th US Air Force a year in Izmir and a year in Incirlik 3/4 of my FreeTime I spent sight seing. I didn’t visit Tlos. Best guide to ancient sites that I found is: Ancient Civilizations and Ruins of Turkey, by Ekrem Akurgal. Perhaps the foremost archaeologist in Turkey in the 20th century. Good luck in your travels. Rudy
Natalie says
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100% agree Kenin – I love exploring them
Natalie says
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I don’t understand why it is left out either Mary. Big shame
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
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What an interesting and informative post. It’s weird that it is left out of so many guide books. Seems like a great place to visit. The pictures are beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Kenin Bassart says
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Ruins are always a worthwhile visit. It’s such an incredible way to connect with the past.
Natalie says
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Exactly Jennifer – they need to promote it more
Natalie says
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Glad you agree Ozlem – HNY to you as well
Natalie says
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Be sure to go if you are in the area Dale – it is a fantastic place to let your imagination wonder.
Dale says
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Tlos looks like the kind of place that I would let my imagination go a little wild, thinking back to all of the mythical stories I used to read and listen to on cassette tape when I was a kind.

Think I’ll have to drop by if I get the chance.
Ozlem's Turkish Table says
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I’ve been there last year, really is a fascinating place – amazing photos as always Natalie, a great promotion for Tlos & area – and happy new year to you!:)
Jennifer says
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have been to that area twice and this is the first I have heard of it. It looks spectacular, so sorry to have missed it. Turkish tourist board needs to get their act together. Thanks for the article
Natalie says
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Yes, for the first time, I did not have to shift through photos deleting them because they were more of tourists than the attraction!
Natalie says
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It is overlooked but a shame Derek because it is so impressive
Natalie says
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Do it Val – you will never regret it
Natalie says
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Definitely need to catch up with you one day to ask about that Pat – the land in that area is gorgeous
Alan says
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. . you’re right Natalie – strangely under rated and ignored. Just means that those of us who enjoy repeat visits get the place to ourselves without all those annoying tourists cluttering up the photo-shoot! 😉
Derek says
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What an impressive find! Don’t you just love it when you stumble upon something like this that has been strangely overlooked by the masses? 🙂
Val-This Way To Paradise says
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Gorgeous ruins…I am thinking that I need to add Turkey to my list of places to visit!
Pat Yale says
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Believe it or not I theoretically own a piece of land within walking distance of Tlos. I say theoretically – too boring a story to go into. But, yes, the ruins are absolutely amazing. Turkey has such a wealth of archaeology.