Places to Visit in Aksu

Aksu

Aksu District has a deep-rooted history and dates back to 2000 BC.

The Ancient city of Timbriada, located in Akcasar District, existed in 2000 BC as an important city of the Pisidia region of the Arzava Kingdom.

Timbria, which had a brilliant period during the Roman period, was founded in BC I. and in the II centuries it is known for minting coins and being an important settlement. 

With the division of the Roman Empire in 395, the Aksu region, which passed to the Byzantine lands, came under the rule of the Muslim Arabs for a short time and then became a part of the Anatolian Seljuk State.

Aksu, which continued its existence as a township affiliated to the Hamit Ogullari during the Principalities period, joined the borders of the Ottoman Empire.

It is stated that the people in the Anamas region had to migrate due to the influence of the sons of Yilanli.

Aksu, which supported the Kuva-i Milliye movement in the War of Independence, became the town of Anamas with the villages united in 1954, and then with the decrees issued in 1965 and 1987, it was named Aksu respectively and gained the status of a district.  

Places to Visit in Aksu

• Leaded Waterfall

Kursunlu Waterfall is a natural beauty that was declared a nature park in 1991.

Around the waterfall, red pine trees are predominant, and there are also eastern plane trees, laurel, wild olive, willow, fig and mastic trees.  

In addition, the scents of plants such as oleander, blackberry, thyme and mint accompany visitors throughout the trip.

The rich flora and fauna diversity of this region has made it an ideal location for nature walks and plant-animal observation activities.

It is possible to encounter small animals such as rabbits, squirrels, woodpeckers and turtles during walks in the nature park.

Leaded Waterfall is located on the Leaded Stream, which is a tributary of the Aksu Stream.

The view created by the small waterfalls in the forest area offers a magnificent view as the water pours into the green and clear pools.

The area around the waterfall is a preferred place for nature walks, and the pathways allow visitors to take a pleasant walk among the trees.

The area is also attractive to birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of plant and animal species.

Wooden bridges and walkways are located under the waterfall, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature more closely.

It also stands out as an ideal place to have a picnic and enjoy nature.

Due to Antalya's warm climate, it is a particularly popular destination to visit during the summer months.

• Termossos Ancient City

The Ancient City of Termessos is an ancient city that was born, grew and left a unique heritage under the leadership of the Solyms, descendants of the Luwians, in the historical lands of Anatolia.

Located in the valley between the dazzling peaks of Solymos Mountain, Termessos is a real treasure for those who want to stroll through its historical roads.

This ancient city, which is known as ‘’Güllük’’ today, is located in a National Park that fascinates not only with its history but also with its natural beauties.

Preserved in lush nature, these ancient city ruins offer visitors an opportunity to explore not only with history but also with magnificent landscapes.

The appearance of Termessos on the stage of history is shaped by the siege of the city by Alexander the Great in 333 BC and the determined defense of the Termessians.

The city, which fell into the hands of the Ptolemies after the death of Alexander, was then subjected to the intervention of the Roman Forces Commander Manlius Vulso.

However, the resistance and independence of Termessos continued during the Roman Imperial period and showed this strong stance through its coins.

The ruins of Termessos extend from Korkuteli, Antalya, to the summit with Hellenistic Era walls near Yenicekahve.

The Ionic temple of the reign of Emperor Hadrian fascinates those who walk the historical paths, while the Gymnasium, the colonnaded street, the agora,  as well as the theater, the parliament building, the cisterns and the  ruins of the beautiful Roman-style villa offer an atmosphere beyond your exploration.

Termessos rich burial grounds will fascinate you with their diversity and historical decorations.

From the tomb of Alketas, one of the important commanders of the Alexander the Great period, to works such as the ‘’Dog Sarcophagus’’, every corner in this ancient city tells a different story.

Embark on a journey where history and nature embrace in the ancient city of Termessos.

This enormous place offers an unforgettable experience not only for history buffs but also for travelers who want to be in touch with nature.

On this journey of discovery, you will follow the traces of the past while also discovering the mysterious beauties of nature.

• EXPO Antalya Exhibition Area

EXPO Antalya Exhibition Area is a contemporary event center located in Aksu district.

It is only 17 km from the city center, 11 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) and approximately 24 km from Antalya Bus Terminal, which offers the advantage of providing easy access to it.

EXPO Antalya, which has made a name for itself by hosting prestigious organizations such as the World Botanical EXPO, hosted a major event held for the first time in the 160-year history of EXPO in Turkey.

This event in 2016 was organized with the philosophy of ‘’A Green World for Future Generations’’ and the theme of ‘’Flowers and Children’’ and was enlivened by the participation of more than 50 countries.

In addition to hosting concerts of famous world stars, this important event  has made significant contributions to the promotion of Antalya and Turkey in the international arena by combining culture, art and entertainment under the same roof.  

EXPO Antalya Exhibition Area continues its success in hosting events today.

Various festivals, fairs, artistic, cultural and sporting events make the atmosphere of this modern venue constantly lively and dynamic.  

With its large area of 1121 hectares, architecturally astonishing tower, gigantic pool, gardens surrounded by greenery, and spacious areas, EXPO Antalya Exhibition Area offers visitors a pleasant trip and allows them to collect unforgettable memories.

Easily accessible from the city center, this modern activity center is one of Antalya's tourist and cultural attractions.

• Aksu Dungeon Cave

Zindan Cave, which draws attention with its location 2 kilometers northeast of Aksu district, is located on the south-facing slope of Aksu Stream, at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level.

The cave is 765 meters long and its interior is fully illuminated.

You can easily   walk, walk and explore in the horizontally developed cave.

In the semi-active cave, there are various dripstones, whitestones, edgestones and erosion and stalactites formed by underground streams.

Miniature canyons have formed in some parts of the cave.

At the end of the cave, there are original mosaic-shaped calcite crystals on the floor of the section called ‘’bath’’.

As a result of the analyzes, it was determined that the water flowing in   the cave had high calcium and magnesium values. 

At the entrance of the cave, there is the head of Eurymedon ‘’Bridge Stream God" made  of black, white and red stone tesserae.

There are mosaics with dolphin motifs on both sides of this head, and winged flying male motifs at the top and bottom.

The Sanctuary of Eurymedon in front of the Dungeon Cave is a site belonging to the ancient city of Timbriada.

According to the information obtained from the excavations around the cave, the sanctuary,  whose existence has been determined since  the early Hellenistic period, was built in the first century AD. and it  is understood that it was built in the II centuries.

This area must have been used as an open-air temple in the early periods.

The Open Air Temple was built in a stepped manner from the front of the cave to the walking floor at the bottom, but it has undergone several changes over time.

Archaeological findings reveal that the temple underwent significant architectural changes during the Roman period.

This sanctuary has been of great importance for many years.

The main goddess of the sanctuary is Kybele, as in the Ancient city of Timbria, and the goddess is called ‘’Meter Theon Vegeinon’’.

In this area, there are also rituals of worship of the cults of Eurymedon ‘’God of Bridge Stream’’, Zeus ‘’Chief God’’, Hermes "God of News", Demeter "God of Agriculture and Fertility".

In addition, it is known that these two gods are depicted together on city coins.

The statue of the God of Eurymedon, which was unearthed in front of the cave in 1977, is currently exhibited in the Isparta Museum.

In Roman times, the Eurymedon Bridge, located in front of the sanctuary, was known as the Roman Bridge.

This single-vaulted arched bridge is notable for its arch keystones, on which the portrait-bust of the god Eurymedon is carved.

When the width of the bridge and the ancient roads in the region are examined, it is understood that the sanctuary is located on an important road connection.

It is located close to the city center, so it is easily accessible and can be a good starting point for visiting and exploring other ancient settlements in the vicinity.

• Perge Ancient City

The Ancient city of Perge is the ruins  of an Ancient city located within the borders of Aksu.

The Ancient city of Perge is  known as an important archaeological site  with a deep-rooted history dating back to the Ancient Roman period.

Excavations and researches carried out so far show that Perge has been used as a settlement since 1000 BC.

The Ancient city of Perge experienced a great development, especially during the Roman Empire, and became an important city.

The city was visited by many famous people of the Roman Empire, and eye-catching monuments, temples, theater, baths, fortifications, streets,  and other structures were built.

The Ancient city of Perge is also known as an important religious center of the period and was home to many god and goddess temples.

Some of the important features worth seeing in the Ancient city of Perge can be:

Theater: The theater of the Ancient city of Perge is a large building with a capacity of approximately 15,000 people and is well preserved.

The theater was used for various events in ancient times.

Stadium: The stadium of the Ancient city of Perge represents a large area used for athletics competitions during the Ancient Roman period.

Agora: The agora, which functioned as the main square of the city, was the center of trade and social interaction.

Ancient Walls: The walls of the Ancient city of Perge are a large structure that surrounds the city and was built for defense purposes.

Some of these walls are still standing.

Hellenistic Gate: This gate, which belongs to the Hellenistic period, offers visitors the opportunity to enter the ancient city.

The ancient city of Perge is considered a major tourist attraction for history and archeology enthusiasts.

Visitors can experience traces of Roman-era life and a historical atmosphere while exploring this ancient city.

It is located close to the city center, making it easily accessible and a good starting point for visiting other ancient settlements in the vicinity.

However, if you intend to visit, it is recommended that you obtain information such as current opening times and entrance fees from local tourist sources or official websites, as this information may change over time.

• Agalar Mosque

The Agalar Mosque is an enormous Turkish work built in the early 1800s, brought to life from the stones of the Ancient city of Perge.

This particular mosque is one of the leading mosques in Turkey, not only in terms of architecture, but also in terms of the techniques and materials used.

The presence of ancient writings among the stones taken from the Ancient city of Perge gave the mosque a unique historical atmosphere.

Agalar Mosque has survived to the present day by preserving its historical texture.

The extensive restoration works carried out in 2016 with the cooperation of Aksu Municipality, Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Governorship of Antalya and Metropolitan Municipality have restored this magnificent structure to its former glory.  

During the restoration process, the stones brought from the Ancient city of Perge and expert workmanship were meticulously used, taking into account the historical value and aesthetic elegance of the mosque.

Agalar Mosque is more than just a place of worship, it is a cultural treasure that once carries echoes of the past.

With its details and historical atmosphere that impresses its visitors, this mosque attracts the attention of both locals and tourists.

After the restoration, the Agalar Mosque reopened its doors to make its visitors experience the magic of the past and continues its mission to keep this historical heritage alive.

From Aksu, you can easily reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) on time.

Transportation Options: You can easily reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) by using public transportation options, Municipal Buses, Metro and Tram.

Before using these lines, you should check and select the appropriate timetables for your trip on the website.

Air transfer lines: You can reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) comfortably and effortlessly with your Airport Transfer reservations made on the Airtransferlines website.

With Airtransferlines, it provides a comfortable, unique Airport Transfer experience with the latest model luxury vehicles.

Click www.airtransferlines.com to take advantage of the advantages of Airtransferlines, to find the right vehicle and driver for you with a wide range of transfer options, to get information about your destination or to make a reservation.

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