Cultural Environment

Erdemli, where the unique blue of the Mediterranean meets the traces of millennia-old civilizations, opens the door to an unforgettable cultural journey. As you trace the region’s rich history—from ancient cities to majestic castles, and from mysterious shops to its traditional character—witness the enchanting harmony of nature and history.

Kızkalesi

The castle on the small islet located 200 meters off the coast of Korykos is known as Kızkalesi. Restored by Karamanoğlu İbrahim Bey in 1448, Kızkalesi has become a symbol of tourism in Mersin today. Tourists, who show great interest in the castle, reach it by fishing boats from the shore.

Kanlıdivane

Located at the 50th kilometer of the Mersin-Silifke highway, 3 km north of the Ayaş area, the Kanyteleis archaeological site—first discovered by Langlois in the mid-19th century—is the district’s most fascinating archaeological site. Established as a sacred settlement of the Ancient Kingdom of Olba around a large crater, the settlement—known in antiquity as Kanyteleis—is documented in the earliest records, which include inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

Cennet Cehennem

At the entrance to the “Paradise Sinkhole”—one of two natural wonders formed by natural processes—there is a small church built of hewn stone blocks on a rectangular plan. The church is accessible via a flight of steps. The bottom of the sinkhole is reached by descending 450 steps.

According to Greek mythology, after Zeus defeated the hundred-headed, fire-breathing dragon Typhon in a battle here, he imprisoned him in the Pit of Hell for a time before banishing him forever beneath Mount Etna.

Astım Cave

It is located 300 meters southwest of the Cennet Sinkhole. A spiral iron staircase leads down into it. The interconnected galleries, with a total length of 200 meters, are adorned with giant stalactites and stalagmites of fascinating shapes.

Korykos

It is located in the town of Kızkalesi at the 60th kilometer of the Mersin-Erdemli-Silifke highway. It was inhabited during the Roman and Byzantine periods—particularly during those eras—as well as during the Islamic era. The city came under Roman rule in A.D. 72 and remained under Roman administration for 450 years; during this period, it experienced significant development in agriculture and became a center for olive oil exports. Korykos was captured by Karamanoğlu İbrahim Bey in 1448 and subsequently rebuilt. In its current state, the castle reflects typical medieval architectural features.

Öküzlü Archaeological Site

It is located 12 km from the town of Ayaş. It is reached via a gravel road from the Kanlıdivane-Çanakçı village junction. Its basilica and cisterns are still standing. The sarcophagi are located along the side of the gravel road leading into the town.

Elaiussa-Sebaste

It is located at the 50th kilometer of the Mersin-Erdemli-Silifke highway. The Ayaş Elaiussa-Sebaste archaeological site, located within the boundaries of the Kumkuyu municipality, was founded in the late 2nd century BCE. It was inhabited particularly during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Excavations at the site, which covers a large area, were initiated by an Italian excavation team in 1995 and are still ongoing.

Adamkayalar Reliefs

About 10 km north of Kızkalesi, in the Şeytanderesi area, there are human reliefs carved into the rocky slope of a deep valley. The reliefs date to the Late Hellenistic or Early Roman period.

The Pasha's Mausoleum

It is a Seljuk-era structure located along the Ayaş-Korykos road. The mausoleum was commissioned in 1220 in the name of Aktaşoğlu Sinan Bey.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN VISITING CULTURAL SITES IN ERDEMLİ AND THE SURROUNDING AREA:

When visiting archaeological sites, you may need to check their official websites to confirm their opening days and hours. They are closed on certain days. For sites where you can purchase admission tickets in advance, we recommend buying your tickets ahead of time based on your planned visit date.
When visiting mosques in our region, you must have a headscarf or shawl to cover your head. Be sure to wear modest, modest clothing. Shoes are not permitted inside mosques. You may bring socks with you if you wish.
When visiting museums and other sites containing historical artifacts, you must absolutely not touch the artifacts and must comply with all rules requested of you (such as no photography). E-tickets for visiting museums and historical sites can be purchased at https://muze.gov.tr.
When participating in outdoor activities, be careful not to litter, do not start fires, and follow the established rules. Never go on a nature hike alone without a guide who knows the area. Before participating in extreme activities, notify specialized agencies such as AFAD of the route and activity details.
Pay attention to warning signs regarding camera use at the places you visit.
In Turkey, alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in designated establishments. It is prohibited to drink alcohol outdoors (in parks, on the street, in gardens, etc.) or in places where alcohol is not sold.
In Turkey, alcohol and tobacco products may not be sold to anyone under the age of 18.
In Turkey, the consumption of tobacco products in enclosed spaces is prohibited.
It is a crime to remove cultural, natural, and historical artifacts from Turkey, and such acts are punishable by imprisonment.