Tlos, located on the eastern side of the Xanthos valley, is one of the most significant and oldest communities in the Lycian Region. The city is referred to as "Dlawa" in Hittite writings dating from the 14th century BC and "Tlawa" in Lycian inscriptions. This ancient city is bordered to the north by Araxa, to the northeast by Oinoanda, to the northwest by Kadyanda, to the south by Xanthos, to the southwest by Pinara, and the west by Telmessos, is on the Unesco World Heritage Temporary List.

Historical Background

Tlos, being one of Lycia's six great cities (and one of its most potent), formerly had the title of 'the exceedingly splendid metropolis of the Lycian nation' under the Roman empire. It is one of Lycia's oldest and most incredible communities (known as 'Tlawa' in Lycian inscriptions) and was eventually occupied by Ottoman Turks, making it one of the few Lycian cities to survive until the nineteenth century. Tlos was a part of the Lycian Federation as early as the 2nd century BC, according to evidence. In the second century AD, two wealthy donors, Opramoas of Rhodiapolis, were responsible for most of the construction.

What to See

There is massive parking at Tlos, and from there, a decent trail leads right up to the acropolis and the Lycian house-type rock-cut tombs carved directly into the rock, some with figures represented. The stronghold of a legendary Ottoman feudal lord from the 19th century is at its peak, constructed upon a Lycian construction and a Roman period wall. Take the lower route to the right below the cliffs to reach the so-called Bellerophon tomb on the north face. The tomb is accessible through a ladder. The tomb façade is adorned with soft relief sculptures of Bellerophon and Pegasus and four additional animal figurines above and below the entry portals.