TLOS   

    As one of the six principal cities of Lycia, Tlos once bore the title of "the very brilliant metropolis of the Lycian nation".  It is one of the oldest and largest settlements of Lycia and was inhabited until the 19^th century by Turks. 

  
Acropolis of Tlos

Tlos lies on the east side of the Xanthos valley, and is dominated by its acropolis. This rocky outcrop slopes up from the plateau, but ends on the west, north and northeast in almost perpendicular cliffs. On its slope are several Lycian sarcophagi and many temple-type tombs are cut into the face of the acropolis hill.  The influence of many cultures upon Tlos has resulted in an interesting collage of structures.

Features of Tlos include:

"Tomb of Bellerophon" - The most interesting tomb of Tlos, a large temple-type tomb featuring a relief of the legendary (from Greek myth) hero Bellerophon riding Pegasus the winged horse.  Punished by the Lycian king Iobates for an improper love affair, Bellerophon was sent to kill the Chimaera, a fire-breathing monster.  With the aid of Pegasus, a gift from Athena, Bellerophon slew the monster from the air and then married the king's daughter.  From their offspring came the later rulers of Lycia.  Today the Chimaera continues to exist as a perpetually-burning fire in eastern Lycia near Olympos.

Castle of "Bloody Chief Ali" - Crowning the top of Tlos' acropolis is the castle of this notorious Turkish lord, built upon the foundations of a Lycian fortress.  The view from the top is spectacular - it overlooks a lovely valley of fertile fields and orchards with mountains rising in the distance.

Byzantine Basilica - Remains of a Roman gymnasium and bath converted into a Byzantine basilica.  Inside is the "Yedi Kapı" ( "Seven Gates") - a dramatic set of seven arches overlooking a lush valley.

Amphitheatre - A large theatre with many highly-decorated carvings scattered about.