LAERTES

To reach the well-known ruins of Laertes via Mahmutlar, drive 12 kilometres to the east from the centre of Mahmutlar into the mountains (at the roundabout with the dervish Mevlana) into the sanayi (industrial street) and then take the first major road to the right into the mountains. Past the replica of the Syedra castle, you will see a sign for Laertes. You must then turn left onto a road going up in a north-westerly direction that leads to the ruins.

The remains of the ancient city of Laertes are located on Mount Cebil-i Reis at an altitude of 850 meters and mainly date back to Roman times. As is now known, Laertes must have had its heyday between the first and third centuries. Although little is known about this city, we do know that coins were minted here in the name of Emperor Trajan and Empress Herennia Etruscill. If you take a look, you will be pleasantly surprised by the spectacular view of the sea and the peninsula of Alanya. Then, while looking around, pay attention to the mosaic that can still be seen after so many centuries and the marble columns that are decorated with oxen heads.

One of the best preserved remains of the old city is the Agora, the square where there was plenty of discussion in the old days. Other remains are that of a church, a temple for supreme god Zeus Megistos and the city walls.