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العربيةKanlıdivane Archaeological Site — Mersin
Kanlıdivane Archaeological Site — in Erdemli district. An Olba city built around a giant sinkhole; an open-air ancient city with its tower, basilica and cisterns. Google Maps rating 4.7 (2861 reviews).
About
Kanlıdivane is the remains of Kanytelis, one of the sacred cities of the ancient Olba Kingdom. The settlement developed around a large sinkhole 90 metres deep; according to popular legend, criminals were thrown to wild animals in this pit, which gave the place its name ('blood-stained madman'). The reliefs and monumental tombs on the sinkhole's walls show the city's religious importance.
The surrounding structures include a Hellenistic tower, basilicas, a bath and cisterns; the Tarkyares family inscription on the tower is among the important finds documenting the city's history. At the entrance there are village stalls selling local gözleme and produce. It is toured with MüzeKart; it is 15 km from Kızkalesi and they can be visited together on the same day.
Practical Information
Practical information
| District | Erdemli |
|---|---|
| Best season | Spring–autumn |
| Transit | 30 km to Erdemli; the Ayaş–Kanlıdivane sign, on the inland part of the Kızkalesi road |
MüzeKart is valid. The entrance fee is not published in the muze.gov.tr record, so it is not stated; confirm the current fee from the official page or confirm at the ticket office.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours
| Day / source | Hours |
|---|---|
| Official (muze.gov.tr) | 08:30–19:00, box office 18:30 |
| Monday | 08:00-19:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00-19:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00-19:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00-19:00 |
| Friday | 08:00-19:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00-19:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00-19:00 |
Location & Directions
Also Nearby
Kızkalesi
The castle rising from the sea 200 metres off Korykos bay is the symbol of Mersin; it is visited together with Korykos Castle on the shore.
Open pageUzuncaburç (Diocaesarea)
The centre of the Olba Kingdom; an ancient city inside a mountain village, with the Temple of Zeus Olbios and the Hellenistic tower that gave it its name.
Open page