Corycus

From Turkey Travel Guide

Corycus is an ancient city near Silifke.

[edit] History

In ancient times, Corycus was an important port town, pivotal in the Romans' fight for order against piracy. It was also the site of the naval defeat of Antiochus the Great by the Romans. It came under control of the Byzantines, who built the island fortress in 1200. The area then came under control of the Armenian kingdom until the 14th century, when it was ruled alternately by Turkish factions, Cypriots, and Egyptians in a chaotic period, under it came under the Ottoman Empire.

[edit] Visitor's Guide

The biggest remnant of ancient times is the island fortress of Maiden's Castle itself. Across from it, on the shore, is the Corycus Fortress. A lot of the rocks are missing, but parts of the columns remain. The two forts were once connected by a pier, of which pieces still stand.

Across the street from the fortress is the Necropolis, with an elaborate Christian tomb and many sarcophagi. In the town there are three fresco decorated churches. Another must see is the city's triumphal arch.

[edit] Getting there

There are frequent buses from Silifke (30 minutes) and Mersin (90 minutes) to Kız Kalesi. The ruins are scattered in the town.

[edit] Eat & Drink

The surrounding town has many restaurants and cafes, like Honey Restaurant and Bar, which serves cheap food near the highway. Across the street is Pasa Restaurant serving inexpensive mezes and kebabs.

[edit] Books

[edit] External links