Olympos

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Olympos is a common variation of Olympus. This article refers to a National Park in Turkey. For other meanings of Olympus, see Olympus (disambiguation).

The Roman bath in Olympos - Turkey

Sarcophagus of Captain Eudemos Olympos - Turkey

Olympos of the Greek word/name "Ολυμπος". Olympos is a valley at the south coast of Turkey, 90 km southwest of Antalya city near the Town of Kemer.

The city was founded in the Hellenistic period, sharing its name with nearby Mount Olympos (Turkish: Tahtalı Dağı). Its coins date back to the 2nd century BC. The city became one of the six leading cities of the Lycian federation. In the 1st century BC, Olympos was invaded and settled by Cilician pirates. This ended in 78 BC, when the Roman commander Servilius Isaurieus added the city to the Roman Empire. The emperor Hadrian visited the city after which it took the name of Hadrianopolis for a period, in his honour.

Near Olympos, located in the neighbouring village of Çıralı and about 200 meters above sea level, the eternal flames called the Chimaera may be seen issuing from the ground. The fuel source for the flames is natural gas, largely methane, seeping through cracks in the earth. The mythical Chimaera - or Chimera - was a savage beast who sprouted fire from its mouth.

In the Middle Ages, Venetians, Genoese and Rhodians built two fortresses along the coast, but by the 15th century Olympos had been abandoned. Today the site attracts tourists, not only for the artifacts that can still be found (though fragmentary and widely scattered), but also for its scenic landscapes supporting wild grapevines, flowering oleander, bay trees, figs and pines.

[edit] Ancient musician

As mentioned in Plato's Symposium, Olympos is a musician from Phrygia who played the pipes.

[edit] Activities

The Olympos village is located in the heart of the olympos coastal national park. The surrounding area offers best conditions for Trekking, Mountain biking, Canyoning, Rock climbing, Sea kayaking. It is possible to rent equipment in the village or to join organized tours.