Ancient City of Seleucia
Ancient City of Seleucia in Manavgat, Turkey
The ancient city of Seleucia, also associated with the name Lyrbe, is located in the mountains northwest of Side, in the Manavgat district. The ruins stand on elevated ground among a pine forest, so people usually come here not only for the ancient remains, but also for a peaceful walk through the archaeological zone away from the coast.
The city is generally attributed to the Hellenistic period. Its position on a high hill was convenient for defense, and sections of the fortress walls and traces of the layout have survived to this day. On the site, you can see the remains of gates, streets, public and residential buildings, as well as structures from later periods, including the Byzantine era.
Seleucia is interesting because the structure of an ancient settlement can be clearly felt here without dense modern development around it. This is not a museum with curated exhibitions, but an open archaeological monument where visitors explore the ruins directly in the natural environment. From the height, there are views of the surrounding hills and forested areas.
The site is suitable for those who have already seen the monuments in the center of Side and want to visit a lesser-known historical landmark. When visiting, it is worth considering the uneven surface, areas without shade in the excavated zone, and minimal infrastructure, so comfortable shoes and a supply of water will be useful.
Ancient City of Seleucia on the map
Ancient City of Seleucia: Ruins on a Wooded Hill
Traces of an ancient city have been preserved here among the pine forest.
Ruins on a wooded hill with remnants of walls and ancient streets
Within the monument area, you can distinguish individual elements of the urban layout: fragments of defensive walls, passageways, sections of paved streets, building foundations, and public spaces. The visit takes place on foot across open terrain, where some of the stone structures have survived at foundation level, while others remain as more visible walls and architectural fragments.
It is best to come here wearing comfortable closed shoes, especially during the hot season, when the stones and dirt sections heat up quickly. Infrastructure on site is limited, so it is worth bringing water, headwear, and everything needed for a walk in advance. There may be few informational signs, so the site is more often chosen by those interested in exploring ruins independently in a natural setting.
A trip to Seleucia is often combined with a visit to Side, Manavgat Waterfall, or a canyon in the surrounding area. People usually get here by car or as part of an excursion from Side and Manavgat, as public transport does not reach all access points to the ruins.
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