Anavarza Ancient City is an impressive ancient settlement located near the Kozan district of Adana, within the borders of Dilekkaya Village, with a history dating back to the Roman Empire. The city, which began to gain importance in the 1st century BC, became one of the most powerful centers of the region, especially in the 3rd century AD, by receiving the title of “Metropolis” (main city). Bearing various cultural traces from the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Armenian periods, Anavarza stands out with its magnificent walls, triumphal arch, colonnaded street, baths, theater, and stadium. The ancient city also hosts one of the largest triumphal arches in the world.
Today, visitors to Anavarza Ancient City have the opportunity to explore Roman engineering marvels, rock tombs, and impressive castle ruins. One of the city’s most striking structures is the 1500-meter-long wall supported by 20 bastions. In addition, unique artistic remains such as the Thetys Mosaic can also be found within the city. With its fascinating history and unique natural scenery, Anavarza is a destination worth exploring for history and culture enthusiasts.
Anavarza Ancient City is located within the borders of Dilekkaya Village in the Kozan district of Adana province, Turkey. It is approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Adana city center and 28 kilometers from Kozan district center. This ancient city is considered one of the important centers of the Cilicia region and bears traces from the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Armenian periods throughout its history.
To reach Anavarza Ancient City, you can follow the D400 highway from Adana city center towards Kozan, then turn towards Dilekkaya Village at the Ayşehoca Village junction to arrive at the ancient city. Visitors wishing to travel by public transportation can use the minibuses that depart from Kozan district center to Dilekkaya Village.
Anavarza Ancient City is located within the borders of Dilekkaya Village, in the Kozan district of Adana province. It is approximately 70 kilometers away from Adana city center.
🛣️ Transportation by Private Vehicle
Visitors departing from Adana city center can follow the Ceyhan-Kozan highway and turn east at the Ayşehoca Village junction at the 28th kilometer to reach Dilekkaya Village. This route is the fastest and most convenient way to access the ancient city.
🚌 Transportation by Public Transport
There are several options for visitors who prefer to use public transportation:
- There are minibuses from the district centers of Kozan, Ceyhan, or Kadirli to Dilekkaya Village.
- You can reach Kozan from Adana city center by bus or minibus and then use the minibuses going from Kozan to Dilekkaya Village.
- Bus line number 511 operates on the Ayşehoca – Kozan route and reaches the Dilekkaya 1a stop. From this stop, you can reach the ancient city with about a 3-minute walk.
✈️ Transportation by Air
The nearest airport is Adana Şakirpaşa Airport. From the airport, you can rent a car or use public transportation to reach Kozan and then proceed to Dilekkaya Village.
Transportation to Anavarza Ancient City is quite easy both by private vehicle and by public transportation. You can consider these transportation options when planning your visit.
Anavarza Ancient City is open to visitors every day of the week. Visiting hours may vary seasonally:
- Summer Period (April 1 – October 1): 09:00 – 19:00
- Winter Period (October 2 – March 31): 09:00 – 17:00
Ticket offices close 30 minutes before the closing time. It is advisable to consider these hours when planning your visit.
The fact that there is no entrance fee for those who wish to visit Anavarza Ancient City makes exploring this historical site even more appealing. Before planning your visit, it is recommended to check the current visiting hours and any possible changes.
Anavarza Ancient City is an important archaeological site located near the Kozan district of Adana, with a history dating back to the 1st century BC. This ancient city houses many structures from the Roman, Byzantine, Armenian, and Ottoman periods. The main structures found in Anavarza are as follows:
🏛️ Prominent Structures
- Triumphal Arch (Ala Kapı): The only triple-arched triumphal arch in the Cilicia region, it is a monumental structure from the Roman period.
- Colonnaded Main Street: This street, 34 meters wide and 2,700 meters long, is known as the largest double-lane street of the ancient world.
- Theater and Amphitheater: These Roman-era structures shed light on the cultural and social life of the period.
- Stadium (Circus Maximus): A large structure where gladiator fights and sports competitions were held.
- Baths and Mosaics: Bath structures from the Roman period and mosaics dedicated to the sea goddess Thetys are noteworthy.
- Churches and Temples: Religious structures from the Byzantine and Armenian periods demonstrate the city’s religious significance.
- Medieval Castle: Built on a hill 200 meters high, this castle was part of the city’s defense system.
- Walls and Bastions: The 1,500-meter-long walls supported by 20 bastions formed the city’s defensive structure.
- Aqueducts and Arches: Built in 92 AD, the 25-kilometer-long aqueducts are among the longest and most magnificent of the ancient world.
- Rock Tombs and Necropolis: Located to the west of the city, these tombs reflect the burial traditions of the period.
Anavarza Ancient City is an important ancient settlement with a deep-rooted history, located within the borders of Dilekkaya Village in the Kozan district of Adana. Archaeological findings show that the first settlement traces in the area date back to 5000 BC. However, the city’s urbanization process began in the 1st century BC with the Romans’ conquest of the Ceyhan basin. During this period, the administration of the region was entrusted to Tarkondimotos, who was appointed as a vassal king by Rome. In the 2nd century AD, with the support of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, Anavarza received the title of “Metropolis” and became one of the most important cities of Anatolia. In 408 AD, it was declared the capital of Cilicia Secunda.
Throughout its history, Anavarza came under the rule of many civilizations. The city was conquered in 260 AD by Sassanid King Shapur and was destroyed in the 4th century by the Isaurian Balbinus. After being damaged by major earthquakes in 525 and 561, Anavarza was rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Justinian I and honored with the name “Justinianopolis.” In the Middle Ages, the city became the capital of the Armenian Kingdom and was captured by the Mamluks in 1375, after which it lost its importance.
Today in Anavarza Ancient City, visitors can see structures such as the 1,500-meter-long wall supported by 20 bastions, the 34-meter-wide and 2,700-meter-long colonnaded main street, theater, amphitheater, stadium, baths, churches, aqueducts, rock tombs, mosaics of the sea goddess Thetys, the triple-arched triumphal gate, and the medieval castle standing 200 meters high. Additionally, Anavarza, the birthplace of the world-renowned pharmacologist Dioscorides, contributed to medical history with his work “De Materia Medica.”
Anavarza Ancient City is an important archaeological site located near the Kozan district of Adana, which, with its thousands of years of history, has hosted many civilizations. Thanks to its strategic location, this city attracted the interest of different cultures throughout history and came under the rule of various civilizations at different times.
🏛️ Civilizations That Lived in Anavarza Ancient City
- Hellenistic Period: The first information about the city dates back to the Hellenistic Period. During this time, Anavarza became an important trade center thanks to its strategic position on the route connecting Central Anatolia with Syria.
- Roman Empire: In 19 BC, with the visit of Roman Emperor Augustus, the city was named “Caesarea” and became a significant settlement during the Roman period. In the 2nd century AD, with the support of Emperor Septimius Severus, it was given the title of “Metropolis” and became the leading city of the region.
- Byzantine Empire: After the Roman period, Anavarza came under Byzantine rule, maintaining its importance and continuing to develop during this era.
- Sasanian Empire: In 260 AD, the city was conquered by Sasanian King Shapur and remained under Sasanian control for a short period.
- Abbasid Caliphate: In 796, Anavarza was rebuilt by Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid and continued to be an important settlement during this period.
- Armenian Kingdom (Cilician Armenian Kingdom): During the First Crusade in 1097, the city was captured by Armenian King Toros I and became part of the Armenian Kingdom.
- Seljuk Empire: Anavarza maintained its significance during the Seljuk period and bears traces of this era.
- Ramazanoğlu Beylik: Anavarza came under the rule of the Ramazanoğlu, one of the Turkish principalities in the region.
- Ottoman Empire: After being taken by the Mamluks in 1375, the city later came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.
Anavarza Ancient City offers visitors a rich historical and cultural experience with structures and ruins that bear traces of these civilizations. The city’s walls, triumphal arch, colonnaded streets, theater, stadium, and mosaics are important examples of the heritage left by these civilizations.
Anavarza Ancient City is an important archaeological site that has hosted many civilizations throughout history and today offers visitors various events and activities.
🏛️ Historical and Cultural Events
During the periods when Anavarza served as a capital city in the Roman and Byzantine eras, it hosted many festivals and sports competitions. Today, various events are organized to continue this tradition. For example, Associate Professor Dr. Fatih Erhan, the head of the Anavarza Ancient City excavations, and his team planned various events within the scope of the 2024 excavation works.
🚶♂️ Activities for Visitors
There are various activities available for those visiting Anavarza Ancient City:
- Climbing to Anavarza Castle: You can climb the 200-meter-high castle and enjoy the unique view of the Adana Plain.
- Visiting the Ancient Theater: You can spend time in the Roman-era theater and experience the art of the ancient period.
- Touring the Roman Bath: You can visit the bath that bears traces of ancient Roman culture.
- Exploring the Rock Tombs: The rock tombs in the area provide information about the burial traditions of the ancient people.
- Visiting Archaeological Excavation Sites: You can learn about ongoing excavations and view the artifacts.
- Nature Walks: You can walk through the natural areas around the ancient city and discover the local flora and fauna.
🎉 Local Events and Tours
Some of the events and tours organized at Anavarza Ancient City include:
- MDK Yılankale and Anavarza Ancient City Tour and Nature Walk: This event includes a visit to Yılankale, followed by a 7-8 km nature walk encompassing Anavarza Ancient City and its surroundings.
- Festival Events: During festivals organized at Anavarza Ancient City, all museums in Adana are opened to visitors free of charge.
There is no official guiding service at Anavarza Ancient City. However, visitors may occasionally encounter volunteer guides. For example, a visitor mentioned that while asking for directions during a tour of Anavarza, they met Ali Gül, a volunteer guide, and described this experience as a great opportunity.
Additionally, in some archaeological sites, an Electronic Guidance System (audio guide) service is offered. However, there is no definite information regarding whether this service is available at Anavarza Ancient City.
Visiting Tip: If you are planning to visit Anavarza Ancient City, it is advisable to conduct research in advance or obtain information from local sources to get in touch with volunteer guides. This way, you will have the opportunity to learn more details about the historical and cultural richness of the ancient city.
There are no facilities selling food and beverages at Anavarza Ancient City. Therefore, it is recommended that you meet your food and beverage needs in advance from Kozan district or other nearby settlements before your visit.
Additionally, during events such as nature walks organized at Anavarza Ancient City, participants are expected to provide their own food and water. If you plan to participate in such activities, it would be beneficial to make the necessary preparations in advance.
Visiting Tip:
It is important to carry a sufficient amount of water and snacks with you.
- Especially during the summer months, due to high temperatures, you should pay attention to water consumption.
- You can meet your needs at markets and restaurants located in the nearby Kozan district or Dilekkaya Village.