Discover Ancient Letoon: A UNESCO Site of Lycian Heritage

Step back in time just a short drive from Fethiye to discover the ancient site of Letoon, a captivating open-air museum that once served as the sacred heart of the Lycian League. Despite its compact size, Letoon's historical and mythological importance is immense, offering a profoundly peaceful and rewarding journey into the past.

Upon arrival at the open air museum, visitors are greeted by serene surroundings, including citrus orchards and greenhouses fed by the fertile Eşen River. The site's peaceful atmosphere allows for a leisurely exploration of its fascinating ruins in about an hour.

The Legacy of Letoon: A Sacred Hub of Mythology and Law

Letoon was not a typical city but a ceremonial hub where leaders communicated important decisions to the Lycian people. Its legacy is immortalized through inscriptions, such as a trilingual decree (337 BC) in Lycian, Aramaic, and Ancient Greek. This artifact, a critical discovery for modern linguistics, is now preserved in the Fethiye Archaeology Museum and has provided invaluable insights into the Lycian language.

The nearby city of Xanthos, connected to Letoon by the Sacred Way, served as the primary residential area. Together, these two sites were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1988, underscoring their exceptional cultural value as a combined representation of Lycian civilization.

Highlights of Letoon’s Ruins: A Walk Through Time

The main highlights of Letoon are clustered together, making for an easy-to-navigate experience.

1. The Theatre (2^nd Century BC)

A remarkably well-preserved structure with a central section carved into bedrock. Although the stage building is missing, the seating area and vaulted passageways offer a glimpse into ancient Lycian entertainment and public life.

2. The Temples: A Family of Gods and Myths

Three temples dominate the site, built side-by-side on a shared platform and dedicated to the divine family at the heart of the Letoon myth. These structures honor the Titaness Leto and her twin children, Apollo and Artemis.

• Temple of Leto (5^th Century BC): The largest and earliest of the temples, it is the namesake of the site. Leto became a figure of enduring myth due to her relationship with Zeus, king of the gods, and the fierce jealousy of his wife, Hera. After becoming pregnant with Zeus's children, Leto was famously pursued by Hera, who forbade her from giving birth on any solid ground. Leto eventually found refuge on the floating island of Delos, where she gave birth to her twins.
• Temple of Apollo (4^th Century BC): A Hellenistic temple featuring a stunning mosaic replica of a sun, a bow and arrow, and a lyre, symbols associated with Apollo.
• Temple of Artemis: Positioned closest to the sacred fountain, this temple honored the goddess of hunting and the moon, revered alongside her mother and brother.

While appearing marble-like, these temples were constructed with finely dressed limestone that mimicked the elegance of marble, a testament to Lycian craftsmanship.

3. The Sacred Fountain / Nymphaeum

According to Greek mythology, this spring is where Leto, a pregnant goddess, was denied water by local Lycian villagers, who were subsequently turned into frogs by her son, Apollo, for their cruelty. The surrounding area teems with frogs to this day, a playful nod to this enduring myth. The sacred site was later enclosed by a monumental fountain used for rituals.

4. Early Christian Church (6^th Century)

This 3-nave church, built with stones from the temples, demonstrates the site's transition from a pagan to a Christian place of worship. The reuse of materials from earlier structures highlights the continuous use of the sacred space over centuries.

5. The Stoa with Portico

Once an elegant walkway, the stoa offered shade and a place for social gatherings, providing a glimpse into the daily life of ancient visitors..

Visiting Letoon

Entrance Fees

Entry is 3 Euro (2024 price, payable in Turkish Lira) or included with a Muze Kart.

Getting There

Letoon is an easy day trip from Fethiye, Kaş, or Kalkan, with ample free parking. For those without a car, public dolmuş (minibus) services run from Fethiye to Kumluova, which is a short walk from the ruins. Alternatively, a taxi is an affordable option, especially for small groups.

Accessibility

A cobblestone path runs through the site, with gravel paths allowing close exploration. Visitors should be aware that the site can be prone to flooding after heavy rainfall, which may occasionally restrict access to certain areas, such as the sacred fountain.

Letoon: A Glimpse into Lycian History

Explore the timeless beauty of Letoon through our gallery. From intricate mosaics to the tranquil ruins of temples and theatres, these images capture the essence of Lycian heritage and mythology.

Click on any image to expand.

The Letoon Entrance

Begin your journey into ancient Lycia at the serene entrance to this open-air museum.

The Ancient Theatre

A beautifully preserved theatre where Lycian citizens once gathered for performances and public events.

A Glimpse into Lycian Entertainment

Imagine the dramatic performances that took place on this very stage, carved directly into the bedrock.

The Theatre´s Grandeur

From its seats, ancient spectators would have had a stunning view of the sacred temples and the surrounding landscape.

The Theatre´s Vaulted Entrance

Pass through this vaulted archway to experience the scale of the ancient theatre.

A Man and His Dog in the Theatre

The peaceful atmosphere of Letoon is enjoyed by all visitors - even the four-legged ones!

Catalogued Artifacts

A quiet corner of the site where catalogued artifacts await study by archaeologists, a testament to Letoon´s ongoing legacy.

Entrance to the Theatre

Follow the stone stairway to step inside the remarkably preserved Lycian theatre.

Preserved Lycian Artifacts

Every stone tells a story. These meticulously arranged artifacts offer a glimpse into the site´s rich past.

The Ruins of the Temples

Explore the remnants of the sacred temples that once dominated this spiritual center.

Columns of the Stoa

Walk the same path as ancient Lycians along the portico of the Stoa, a public walkway for gatherings.

The Byzantine Church

Discover the layered history of the site, where a 6th-century church was built from the stones of earlier pagan temples.

A View of the Sacred Temples

The main highlight of Letoon: the ruins of the three adjacent temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo, and Artemis.

Temples of Artemis and Leto

Standing side by side, these temples are a testament to the enduring myth of the divine family.

The Stoa´s Foundation

These column bases are all that remain of the Stoa, once a bustling social hub at the heart of Letoon.

Intricate Stone Carving

Every piece of stone, no matter how small, reveals the exceptional craftsmanship of the Lycian people.

A Fragment of Lycian Art

A beautiful fragment of a stone column showing detailed carving.

Ancient Stone Detailing

The fine lines and patterns on these stone fragments speak to the elegance of the original buildings.

Lion Sarcophagus

A fearsome lion face guards the lid of a stone sarcophagus, a powerful symbol in Lycian art.

The Lycian Script

This is a fragment of the ancient script that has helped modern archaeologists understand the Lycian language.

Ancient Inscriptions

These marks are a direct link to the Lycian people who once lived and worshipped here.

A Fragment of History

A small fragment of a stone tablet covered with ancient script.

Lycian Craftsmanship

The foot of an ancient stone bench carved in the shape of a mythical creature´s paw.

Inscribed Stone Column

This piece of a column bears testament to the Lycian´s written language.

The Mosaic of Apollo

A replica of the stunning floor mosaic from the Temple of Apollo, with the original now protected in the Fethiye Museum.

Temple of Apollo Mosaic

This replica of the temple´s mosaic provides a vivid splash of color and a connection to Apollo´s key symbols.

Columns of the Temple of Leto

These two slender columns still stand tall, a powerful symbol of the site´s most important temple.

Inside the Temple of Leto

Step into the heart of the sacred sanctuary, where ancient rituals were performed in honor of the mother goddess.

A Peaceful Moment at the Temple

Find your own moment of reflection at the serene ruins of the Temple of Leto.

The Letoon Grounds-Keeping Crew

A flock of sheep peacefully graze near the theatre, carrying on a long tradition of natural grounds-keeping.

A Fragment of Elegance

The finely carved details on this stone piece hint at the artistic quality of the original structures.

Remnants of the Stoa

The remains of the Stoa´s columns, a reminder of the social life that once bustled here.

Natural Lawn Mowers

The site is kept immaculate by a very charming team of sheep and lambs!

The Stoa

Follow the line of the column bases to trace the path of the elegant Stoa.

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Letoon offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of ancient Lycian civilization, where politics, religion, and culture intertwined to shape the region’s rich heritage. With its well-preserved temples, theatre, and sacred sites, Letoon stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Lycian League. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape into the past, Letoon is a must-visit destination.

A visit to Letoon offers an unmissable glimpse into the heart of ancient Lycian civilization. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape into the past, exploring its well-preserved temples, theater, and sacred sites is a must-do experience from Fethiye, Kaş, or Kalkan. We highly recommend this UNESCO World Heritage Site for an unforgettable day trip.

Note: For those interested in a deeper dive, consider a combined visit with the nearby ruins of Xanthos to fully appreciate the scope of this ancient religious and political alliance.

Sources Accessed for this Article

• Türkiye Kültür Portalı - Xanthos and Letoon
• UNESCO - Xanthos-Letoon
• Wikipedia – Letoon