Xanthos - Letoon

About

The twin sites of Xanthos-Letoon were the administrative, cultural, and spiritual center of the ancient Lycian Federation. Xanthos was the Lycian capital, and its status made it a target for ancient warring empires. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt on several, Xanthos remained a major settlement through the Byzantine era. Less than 10km away, Letoon was the main religious sanctuary for the Lycians, which was repurposed for whichever religion was dominant in the region until being abandoned in the 7th century AD. Today, the two are a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site for their exceptional architectural and cultural value. Both sites offer some great Roman ruins, like amphitheatres, temples, and even city infrastructure, but it’s the Lycian elements that make this site truly unique - every single piece discovered here has been crucial in understanding the Lycian people.