Kibyra Ancient City is an important ancient settlement built on a high hill within the borders of Gölhisar district of Burdur province in Turkey. Thought to have been founded in the 2nd century BC, Kibyra gained great wealth in terms of trade and culture thanks to its geographical location at the intersection of the regions of Lycia, Caria, Pisidia, and Phrygia. The city maintained its importance during the Roman Empire period and formed a political alliance with the cities in the region by establishing a union called the “Tetrapolis of Kibyra.” Mentioned by Strabo as well, Kibyra became especially renowned in the fields of law and education, and was also known for its ironworking and horse breeding.
Today, visitors to Kibyra can see one of the most impressive stadiums of the ancient world, its theater with magnificent acoustics, its odeon (music house), baths, agora, and the council building famous for its Medusa head mosaic. With a capacity of approximately 10,000 people, the stadium is one of the largest ancient stadiums in Anatolia. Moreover, the well-preserved structures and detailed stonework of Kibyra provide important clues about the city’s wealth and artistic accumulation during its time. Kibyra was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2016 and attracts history and archaeology enthusiasts every year.
📍 Where is Kibyra Ancient City located?
Kibyra Ancient City is located in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, in the northwest of the Gölhisar district of Burdur province. The city was built on three hills, dominating the Gölhisar Plain. It is also close to important centers such as Antalya, Denizli, and Fethiye, making it very easily accessible. Historically, Kibyra held strategic importance due to its location at the intersection of the regions of Lycia, Caria, Pisidia, and Phrygia.
🕰️ What are the visiting hours?
Kibyra Ancient City is open to visitors every day of the week throughout the year. Visiting hours vary seasonally:
April 1 – May 31: 09:00 – 19:00
June 1 – August 31: 08:00 – 20:00
September 1 – October 1: 09:00 – 19:00
The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the end of visiting hours, and no entry is allowed after this time. During the winter season, visiting hours are generally between 08:30 – 17:30.
When planning your visit, it is recommended to check the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for up-to-date information.
🎟️ How much is the entrance fee?
Entrance fees to Kibyra Ancient City vary depending on the nationality of the visitors:
Turkish Citizens: Entrance is free for Museum Pass holders.
Foreign Visitors: The entrance fee is 4 Euros.
It is recommended to visit the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for more information about current entrance fees and visiting hours.
🏛️ What can be seen at Kibyra Ancient City?
🏟️ Stadium:
With a capacity of approximately 10,000 people, the Kibyra Stadium is one of the largest ancient stadiums in Anatolia. This structure, which hosted gladiator fights, led to the city being known as the “City of Gladiators.”
🎭 Theater:
The ancient theater, with a capacity of 4,000 people, is quite well preserved. The upper tribune sections are partially standing, and the stage building and seating rows are clearly visible.
🎶 Odeon (Music House):
This structure, with a seating capacity of approximately 3,600 people, was used both for musical events and as a council building. The world-famous Medusa Mosaic inside is one of the city’s most valuable artworks.
🏛️ Agora:
The agora, the commercial and social center of the city, is surrounded by a large open area. It is an important spot reflecting the lively market life and urban living of the period.
🛁 Roman Bath:
The bath structures display the impressive water engineering and social life of the Roman period. Sections such as the changing rooms and hot and cold water pools can still be seen.
🛡️ Basilica and Monumental Structures:
Some religious structures, monuments, and temple ruins reveal the religious and social structure of Kibyra during the Roman period.
🏆 Is it on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
Yes, Kibyra Ancient City was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2016. This list was created to protect and promote cultural and natural heritage and serves as a preliminary inventory of sites to be nominated for the main list. Kibyra was included by meeting criteria such as “bearing a unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or has disappeared” and “possessing an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.”
This decision by UNESCO is an important step in recognizing Kibyra’s universal cultural value. The future inclusion of the ancient city in the official UNESCO World Heritage List would mean the worldwide recognition of this unique heritage.
🅿️ Is there a parking lot?
Yes, there is parking available at Kibyra Ancient City. A parking area has been arranged close to the entrance for visitors. Additionally, there are small parking spots at various points to allow easier access to structures like the stadium and bath complex. Thanks to this, it is possible to travel short distances by car between the wide-spread structures of Kibyra. Parking is generally free of charge.
Kibyra Ancient City offers visitors the opportunity to take a journey through time with its location surrounded by natural beauty and its magnificent structures. Its ancient stadium, the unique Medusa Mosaic, theater, and agora area shed light on the city’s social and cultural life. Kibyra was an important center in Ancient Anatolia, particularly known for activities such as gladiator fights, musical events, and political meetings. The city’s well-preserved structures and detailed stonework are impressive examples carrying the artistic and engineering achievements of its era to the present day.
Today, Kibyra has become a valuable cultural heritage site recognized worldwide by being included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This impressive ancient city, located in the Gölhisar district of Burdur, is an open-air museum waiting to be discovered by history and archaeology enthusiasts. For anyone who wants to trace the marks of the past in a quiet and enchanting atmosphere intertwined with nature, Kibyra offers an unforgettable travel experience.