Anemurium, also known as Anamurion, is an archaeological gem of the Mediterranean coast undiscovered by mass tourism and excellently preserved for those fascinated by ancient monuments. If you value peace and quiet and the lack of crowds of visitors that make a visit to places such as Ephesus burdensome, you should choose to go to Anemurium instead. Especially since this site has a lot to offer, and you can spend a few good hours exploring its monuments.

Additionally, entrance tickets are at rather symbolic prices, again unlike the most famous ancient cities in Turkey. The city's location is also an incentive - right by the sea, so you can end your visit with a refreshing swim.

Anemurium began as a Phoenician city, then came under the Roman rule and, naturally, later became part of the Byzantine Empire. Most of the preserved buildings come from this period.

It is not entirely clear why this rich and wonderful city collapsed and was forgotten. Historians mention attacks by hostile tribes, pirates, and raids by Arab corsairs. Most likely, the final straw was the massive earthquake at the end of the 6th century CE and the Persian invasion shortly thereafter.

Let's take a walk among the ruins of an ancient city that once even minted its own coins. Arriving by land, you can see on the right side the ruins of a huge necropolis with interesting forms of tombstones. Some of them are even multi-story and in quite good condition. You can easily turn away from the main route and wander among the shadows of the past.

Among the tombs, you can also see the remains of an early Christian church.

A little further, on the left, you pass the ruins of a palaestra - something like a sports school. It also had its own bathhouse. Apparently, the city's inhabitants cared about their fitness and personal hygiene.

Right next to the palaestra there is a fragment of the basilica with an interesting, semicircular dome, which allows us to admire the craftsmanship of ancient architects.

Also on the left, you can see a very well-preserved odeon, where artistic shows were once held. Nowadays, you can sit here in the audience and use your imagination to travel back in time to participate in a concert or a poetry recitation competition.

Fragments of floor mosaics have also been preserved in the odeon, but unfortunately, they are not protected in any way against the elements. On the other hand, they somehow survived to this day and the fact testifies to their durability.

Then, walking along the main road, you pass fragments of the aqueduct and city walls on the right. The powerful walls were intended to protect the city against attacks by various wandering tribes, and the aqueduct provided the city with drinking water. It also supplied numerous baths.

This brings us to the well-preserved building of a huge public bath, where you can also admire floor mosaics.

The trip ends when you reach a hill with massive fortifications. You can climb towards them, but the enterprise is made difficult by thorny vegetation. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and long trousers to protect your legs from scratches and cuts.

The last point of the walk is the descent towards the sea and the beach. It is worth planning a bath in advance and taking a swimming suit and a towel with you.

On the way back, we encourage you to stop at a nearby restaurant, which offers beautiful views of Anemurium and the sea. The prices are also not deterring, so you can replenish your body's fluid reserves here, as in Anemurium there are few places where you can hide in the shade.