Chimaera
Chimaera is situated 8 kilometers from Olympos. Scientists are as mystified as the people of ancient times as to how fire spontaneously erupts from holes in the mountain. Chimaera was another Lycian city, and is named after the mythological son of Typhon. Legend has it that Chimaera was killed by Bellerophon who mounted Pegasus and bombarded the Chimaera with molten lead. From a realistic viewpoint, the most logical reason for the flames of Chimaera is that it is natural gas seeping through cracks in the earth – although scientists are still unable to discover the compounds of the gases. The mythological reason for the fires of Chimaera is far more interesting than the scientific one – let the visitor decide!
To truly appreciate the effects of the Chimaera it is best to visit the area in the evening or night. The almost pyrotechnic effect is most impressive during the hours of darkness. Looking away from the magic of the fires there is the added bonus of spectacular views of the Lycian ruins above Chimaera.
Today gas stili seeps from the earth in Chimaera and bursts into flame upon contact with the air. The exact composition of the gas is unknovvn, though it is thought to contain some methane. Though the flames can be extinguished now by being covered, they will reignite when un-covered. in ancient times they were much more vigorous, being easily recognised at night by mariners sailing along the coast.
To reach Chimaera, from Cirali, you should follow the track marked for the Chimaera (Yanartas, Burning Rock in Turkish) 3 kilometers along a valley to a car park, then climb up a mud track for another 20 to 30 minutes to Chimaera.