Discover Colybrassus Ancient City: Alanya's Hidden Archaeological Treasure

Unveiling Colybrassus: The "Little Hagia Sophia" of Ancient Turkey

Hidden 30 kilometers northwest of Alanya in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains lies Colybrassus Ancient City, locally known as "Küçük Ayasofya" or "Little Hagia Sophia." This remarkable archaeological site offers visitors a mysterious journey through ancient history, spanning Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Despite numerous inscriptions scattered throughout the area providing valuable historical insights, Colybrassus remains one of Turkey's most enigmatic ancient settlements.

This hidden treasure captivates history enthusiasts with its extraordinary Medusa-headed tombs and remarkably preserved temples. The ancient city represents one of Alanya's most impressive undiscovered archaeological sites, where medieval life continued to flourish long after the fall of Rome. 

Archaeological Wonders: From Medusa Tombs to Twin Temples

The Magnificent Medusa Tomb Chamber

The ancient city's most striking feature is an elaborate tomb carved into a large rock formation. Accessible via an 18-step staircase, this single-chamber tomb showcases incredible ancient craftsmanship. The tomb's most captivating element is the interior Medusa relief, depicted with serpentine hair to protect the burial chamber from evil spirits and grave robbers.

The tomb entrance features expertly carved eagle motifs flanking both sides, crafted in a distinctive low-arch design. These intricate details demonstrate the sophisticated stone-working techniques of ancient artisans, making this one of Turkey's most impressive funerary monuments.

Twin Temples and Religious Architecture

Colybrassus features two temples positioned approximately 75 meters apart, serving as the ancient city's religious centers. The western temple remains nearly intact up to roof level, representing one of the best-preserved structures in the entire archaeological complex.

The eastern temple showcases Ionic-style corner capitals, demonstrating architectural mastery that rivals major ancient sites. These twin temples likely served as focal points for the city's spiritual life, hosting religious ceremonies and community gatherings throughout the centuries.

Strategic Military Importance and Urban Planning

Archaeological evidence reveals that Colybrassus functioned as a military garrison, with inscriptions on defensive walls indicating its role as a strategic fortress. The city's eastern residential area was protected by fortified walls featuring defensive towers, highlighting its importance in regional defense systems.

The ancient settlement includes additional remarkable structures: elaborate sarcophagi in the necropolis, an odeon for meetings and performances, defensive walls with towers, ancient residential quarters, and a semicircular exedra (seating area). These remains prove Colybrassus was once a thriving, sophisticated urban center.

Visiting Colybrassus: Your Ancient Adventure Guide

Getting There and Practical Information

Located in mountainous terrain northwest of Alanya, Colybrassus requires off-road vehicles for access. The site's higher elevation provides cooler temperatures compared to coastal areas, making it particularly refreshing during summer months.

Essential visiting tips include wearing comfortable hiking shoes for uneven terrain, bringing sufficient water and snacks (no facilities available), using sun protection, and timing visits during spring or autumn for optimal weather conditions. Photography enthusiasts will find the tomb chamber and temples offer spectacular photo opportunities.

Preserving Turkey's Archaeological Heritage

Unfortunately, Colybrassus faces threats from illegal treasure hunters conducting unauthorized excavations. This archaeological treasure requires systematic scientific excavation and protection measures to preserve its invaluable historical insights about ancient Anatolia.

The inscriptions and architectural remains hold crucial information about ancient civilizations, making professional archaeological research essential for understanding this remarkable ancient city.

Ready to explore one of Turkey's most mysterious archaeological sites? Plan your Alanya historical adventure and discover why Colybrassus represents one of the Mediterranean's most captivating hidde