Patara

In his book “The Spirit of Laws”, the famous thinker Baron de Montesquieu cited the form of governance of the Lycian League as “the most perfect example of a republic”. The majestic Council Chamber (Bouleuterion) in the capital city Patara enabled this first known “most perfect” form of governing in history. 

This ancient city and its 18 km long magnificent beach make Patara one of the most attractive places in Antalya. It is located in today’s Gelemiş Village between Fethiye and Kalkan, about 42 km from Antalya’s Kaş district.  

Patara is also a Lycian port city which fascinates visitors with its natural beauty, and also stands out with its archaeological values. The ancient city, which attracts attention with its eye-catching architecture, is spread over a wide area on the east side of the port. Patara, which became famous as the birthplace of god Apollo, was first mentioned by famous historian Heredotus.

There are Lycian type tomb monuments of the Roman era at the entrance of the city. You are welcomed by the architecturally impressive Triumphal Arch (Zafer Takı) with three archways. The Hurmalık Bath (Hurmalık Hamamı) and the remains of the triple-naved Basilica at the port are worth a visit. The Stadiasmus Patarensis (ancient Roman milestone) is one of the impressive works in Patara. Archaeologists note that this is the oldest and most comprehensive road-sign in the world, which also shows the distance between the Lycian cities. 

Inscriptions show that the theatre, located at the southernmost end of the city leaning on the Kurşunlu Hill (Kurşunlu Tepe), was rebuilt in 147 BCE after an earthquake. The Kurşunlu Hill, where the theatre sits, is the most beautiful to get a general view of the city. The magnificent Patara Theatre hidden under the sand for many years, was cleaned from the sand during archaeological works and opened to visitors. It has a capacity of about 10,000 people, and was built in the 2nd century BCE.

The unique architecture of Patara is a visual feast. At the same time, it sheds light on the formation of a just society in the true sense of the word during ancient times. Parliament Building - Bouleuterion in Patara, one of the most powerful cities of the Lycian League, housed representatives of its 23 city states along Mediterranean coast. The Lycian League established a successful democracy in the ancient world using an unrivalled relative representation. Part of its political history has greatly influenced the constitution and founding principles of the United States. Its functioning and constitution is a role model for modern ruling systems. Lycian League Parliament building was the building of the Lycian League, which was lauded by Baron de Montesquieu in his book “The Spirit of Laws” as the “most perfect form of governance in the ancient world”. It was restored by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. 

In addition, Patara is mentioned as “the city of Patere, where Saint Nicholas was born”, known as Santa Claus across the world. Until today, Patara and Lycian League, with their close relation to nature, the cultural and economic wealth of its people, and their democratic structure and ideals, continue to be an inspiration and motivation to peoples and states in how to shape a better future.