Pinara

Pinara Review

Pinara was probably founded as early as the 5th century BC, and it eventually became one of Lycia's most important cities. You need time and determination to explore, as it's widely scattered, largely unexcavated, and overgrown with plane, fig, and olive trees. You can park in the village of Minare and make the half-hour hike up the clearly marked trail. At the top of a steep dirt track, the site steward will collect your admission and point you in the right direction—there are no descriptive signs or good site maps.

The spectacular Greek theater, which has overlooked these peaceful hills and fields for thousands of years, is one of the finest in Turkey. It's perfectly proportioned, and unlike that of most other theaters in Turkey, its stage building is still standing. The site also contains groups of rock tombs with unusual reliefs, one showing a cityscape, and a cliff wall honeycombed with hundreds of crude rectangular "pigeonholes," which are believed to have been either tombs or food storage receptacles. Nearby villagers volunteer to show tourists this site; it's not a bad idea to accept the offer as they know the highlights. A tip is customary.