Kanlı Divane Ancient City
Located in the Silifke district of Mersin, Kanlı Divane Ancient City is a settlement that has survived from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods to the present day. Founded by the Olba Kingdom in the 3rd century BC, the city expanded during the Roman period and became an important religious and trade center. Discovered by the French traveler Victor Langlois in the mid-19th century, the city was unearthed during excavations in the 1970s. The most striking structures of the ancient city include the Temple of Zeus, basilicas, water cisterns, tomb structures and necropolises. According to a legend, the city was named "Kanlı Divane" because criminals were executed here and their blood was spilled on the ground. This ancient city, which has a huge collapsed area around it, is a unique discovery point for history enthusiasts.
Adamkayalar Necropolis
Located at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, Adamkayalar Necropolis is famous for its monumental rock tombs and reliefs from the Roman period. In 11 different reliefs carved into the steep slope of the valley, warriors, administrators, women and children are depicted. These reliefs were made in the Roman period to create a family tree, immortalize family members and show status. These unique reliefs, which reflect the artistic and historical value of the region, are like a history page carved into the rocks.
Cennet Cehennem Sınkholes
One of the most striking natural formations of Mersin, Heaven and Hell Sinkholes are huge cave systems formed by natural depressions. Heaven Sinkhole is a large depression that is 70 meters deep and 250 meters wide and can be descended into. Inside the sinkhole is a Byzantine Virgin Mary Church dating back to the 5th century AD. Visitors can descend into the sinkhole with a 450-step staircase and discover the impressive structure of the cave. Hell Sinkhole is 128 meters deep and it is not possible to descend into it due to its steep slopes. In mythology, it is believed that Zeus imprisoned the monster named Typhon here.