Amyntas Rock Tombs — Attraction in Fethiye

Firstly, these are the tombs in Fethiye town. If you are expecting a boat ride and mud baths then you're thinking of the similar Lycian rock-cut tombs in Dalyan, further up the coast.

The tombs are walking distance from Fethiye market and museum (you have been to the museum, haven't you? Well worth a visit!). The way is uphill and hot in summer, but you can see traces of ruins and sarcophagi in the open land on the way. One fine sarcophagus has even been made into a roundabout in the road. Not sure if this counts as eternal rest...

We stopped for refreshments at the Kings Garden restaurant just below the Tomb of Amyntas - the freshly-squeezed orange juice was delicious and very welcome!

You can see the tombs from the road for free but at a distance. History buffs can pay the 10TL fee and climb up to the Tomb of Amyntas and see it close-up. It's about 180 steep steps and hot in the sun, so take it slowly and enjoy the view over Fethiye and beyond.

The tombs itself is impressive with a portico and columns and a small chamber for the bodies (now empty). The chamber has three carved stone beds with pillows that is very similar to the triclinium style of tomb at Petra. The whole design reminds you of Petra, although this is a few centuries older.

The view at the tomb is fantastic and the whole monument is worth exploring. Unlike the similar tombs at other Lycian sites like Myra (Demre), Kaunos (Dalyan) and Kalekoy, you can get close and examine the details.

Sadly, the tomb has been vandalised inside and out with spray paint, which is a real shame. I hope that the Turkey culture ministry uses the entrance fee to clean it up and...

Carved into the cliff sides above the town and looking out over the ocean, the Fethiye Lycian Rock Tombs or funerary rock chambers for the deceased in ancient Lycia. They were typically reserved for the elite, aristocrats, and important society individuals. These tombs are often in high locations, overlooking valleys and landscapes, the belief was that it would be easier for winged creatures to carry them through to the afterlife. Dating back to 350 BC and was named after the Greek inscription on the side of it which reads "Amyntou tou Ermagiou", which translated to English means "Amyntas, son of Hermagios". The tomb was built by the Lycians, the people who lived in this satrapy of the Persian Empire at the time. The rock tomb of Amyntas, dating from the Lycian period when Fethiye was called Telmessos The Lycian people inhabited the Lycia region along the southwestern coast of modern-day Turkey. Historical records show Lycia was between the southern Mediterranean Sea and the Northern Taurus Mountains. This region's unique geography contributed to its isolation from other ancient civilisations, leading to a distinct Lycian culture.

The only way to reach the tombs is by climbing up the hillside,...

The Tomb of Amyntas is a significant historical landmark located in Fethiye, Turkey. Here's a breakdown of key information: Location: It's situated in the mountainside of Fethiye, which was ancient Telmessos, in the region of Lycia. Fethiye is in the Muğla Province of Turkey. Historical Significance: It's an ancient Lycian rock-hewn tomb, dating back to around 350 BCE. The tomb is named after the inscription "Amyntou tou Ermagiou," meaning "Amyntas, son of Hermagios." It offers a glimpse into the Lycian civilization, which was a part of the Achaemenid Empire at that time. Features: The tomb is carved into a rock face, showcasing the Lycian skill in rock-cut architecture. It resembles the façade of an Ionian temple. It is very large, and very impressive. Cultural Importance: The Tomb of Amyntas is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Fethiye's rich history. It represents the metal and woodwork skills of the ancient Lycian people. In essence, the Tomb of Amyntas is a remarkable archaeological site that provides valuable insights into the ancient Lycian...