The Necropolis of Ancient Myra

Lycians believed that burying their dead high up would facilitate their rise to heaven. Until then, it seems that they expected the dead to spend some time there, as the tombs are carved to look like old wooden houses, complete with pediments, pillars, and support beams jutting out of the facade. Additional tombs are located to the west of the Roman theater, including the distinguishable carvings of a funerary rite decorating one tomb, known as the Painted Tomb.

The Roman theater, carved into the face of the mountain Greek style, dates to 141 when it was rebuilt following an earthquake. The two vaults may have been added at this time for additional support against future tremors. Columns, capitals, and ill-fated theatrical heads scatter the grounds, fallen from gracing the facade of the stage.

The entrance to the site is marred by locals who practically tow your car into the adjacent lot for "free" with hopes of selling you fresh-squeezed orange juice for about 1YTL (75¢), or some postcards. This is unavoidable, but my advice is to steer clear of the lot directly opposite the entrance to the site, operated by a particularly rude specimen.