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Patara @ Travel Turkey

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Patara

Patara, later renamed Arsinoe was a flourishing maritime and commercial city on the south-west coast of Lycia on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey near the modern small town of Gelemiş, in Antalya Province. It is the birth place of St. Nicholas, who lived most of his life in the nearby town of Myra (Demre). As part of the Turkish Riviera, the area attracts tourists. Apart from the ruins there is a stretch of beach.

About Patara

It is Kalkan-Fethiye road nearly 10 km before Kalkan and its located at the south. The colorful ceramics in the center of the city reveal that the history of the city reaches back to 5 B.C. Besides it is being the birthplace of St. Nicholas, it was one of the most important sea port during the times of Alexander the Great. Three gated city walls, one of which leads to Patara, was constructed by the governor Modestus in 110. One of the most important remnants is the theater currently buried under the crystal clear sandy beaches of Patara.

Possessing a natural harbour, Patara was said to have been founded by Patarus, a son of Apollo. Patara was noted in antiquity for its temple and oracle of Apollo, second only to that of Delphi. The city, with the rest of Lycia, surrendered to Alexander the Great in 333 BC. Patara is mentioned in the Bible (Acts 21:1-3) as the place where Paul of Tarsus and Luke changed ships. The city was Christianized early, and several early bishops are known; according to Le Quien. Nicholas of Myra was born at Patara in ca. 300. Patara is mentioned among the Lycian bishoprics in the Acts of Councils. The Notitiae Episcopatuum mention it among the suffragans of Myra as late as the thirteenth century.

The city remained of some importance during the Byzantine Empire as a way point for trade and pilgrims. During the wars between the Turks and the Byzantines, the city was abandoned. The city remains a titular see of the Roman Catholic Church, Patarensis; the seat has been vacant since the death of the last titular bishop on February 3, 2006.

The site is currently being excavated during two summer months each year by a team of Turkish archaeologists. At the end of 2007, all the sand had been cleared from the amphitheatre and some other buildings, and the columns on the main street had been partially re-erected (with facsimile capitals). The excavations have revealed masonry in remarkable condition.

Why should you Travel to Turkey?

Dalyan beach is well known for the Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtles) which have existed for 95 million years. International animal protection organizations monitor and protect the turtles' nesting grounds in Turkey.

Here are some more reasons why you should travel to Turkey.

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Travel Tips for Patara

How to get Patara

Regular buses ply the coast road from Antalya to Fethiye, passing the turnoff to Patara. Out of season, you may need to walk or hitch a ride for the last four kilometers down to Gelemis.

Where to stay in Patara

Flower Pension: 0 (242) 843 5164
Golden Pension: 0 (242) 843 5162
Patara View Point Hotel: 0 (242) 843 5184