Tlos

The ruins of the ancient city of Tlos are situated in the hills above the Esen Ovasi, about 36km/22mi east of Fethiye (via Kemer and Yakaköy). Crowning the rounded acropolis hill are the ruins of a Turkish castle, erected over a Lycian fortress. On the east side of the acropolis are remnants of Lycian and Roman walls, with a gate dating from the second century B.C. Beyond lie the remains of a number of houses, public buildings and other structures from the Lycian, Roman and Byzantine periods.

They include cisterns, a stadium, a hall-like edifice (possibly an indoor market), two large baths, an agora, churches, a theater and a necropolis (Lycian). The Roman town center (second century B.C.) testifies to the considerable importance of the city in Imperial times. Being tucked away in the mountains the Turkish castle was the stronghold of various "valley princes" (derebeys) and brigands, of whom Kanli Ali, known as "Bloodthirsty Ali", was the most notorious.