|
Patara ancient city is
located on the southwest part of the coast of the Xanthos Valley between
Fethiye and
Kalkan.
Xanthos, another ancient city of Lycian Union,
is located on the hills of the Patara beach and city. The city's
settlement dates back to the 7th century BC. As the birth place of
the God Apollon of the Greek Mythology, Patara is one of the most
important cities of the Lycian Union. During the course of
history, being the only way out to sea from the Xanthos Valley, Patara
always was an important city both strategically and commercially.
By surrenderin to Alexander the Great, the city was saved from being
demolished but after the death of Alexander it was conquered by
Antigonos at 315 BC.
The city had 3 votes in
the Lycian Union just like Pinara,
 Xanthos,
Olympos and Myra. The Union meetings
usually was held in Patara. Patara continued to be an important
city also during the Roman Empire. Patara was the capital city of the Lycian and Pamphylia states of Rome. Hadrian, the
Roman Empirer
visited Patara with his wife and stayed here for 3 days. Patara
kept its importance during the
Byzantine Empire because St. Nicholas
probably Santa Claus) was born in Patara.
The Patara Beach near
the Patara ancient city is one of the most beautiful beaches of the
Mediterrenean Region of Turkey. The sea is shallow and the beach
is about 18 km with going in about 200 metres in some places.
Because of the never ending wind, it's very ideal for windsurfing.
The beach is under protection because of the Caretta Caretta sea turtles
leaving their eggs in the sand in July. The beach is so untouched
and huge that it is a favorite place for nudist visitors.
|
