History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Olba Ancient City (popularly known as Ura) is the religious and administrative capital of the independent Olba Kingdom, which ruled in the Mountainous Cilicia (Cilicia Tracheia) region and was ruled by priest-kings. Located 30 km away from Silifke town centre, in the valley 4 km east of Uzuncaburç (Diokaesareia), the city lived an uninterrupted life from the 3rd century BC until the Roman and Byzantine periods. The most magnificent monument of Olba is the 150 meters long and 25 meters high double-storey monumental Roman aqueduct (aqueduct) that carries water to the city by crossing the deep valley. In addition, the monumental nymphaeum (fountain building) on the valley floor, theatre, acropolis hill, embossed sarcophagi in the necropolis area and early Christian monasteries reflect the richness of the city. According to local legend, Olba priest-kings believed that they were descendants of God Zeus Olbios and protected the healing spring waters hidden in this sacred valley; It is believed that the shield and helmet reliefs engraved on the keystones of the aqueduct protected the city from pirate raids for centuries. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located at an altitude of approximately 1,050 meters in the plateau valleys of the Taurus Mountains overlooking the Mediterranean. It has an authentic mountainous geography covered with limestone canyon crevices, maquis vegetation, wild olives, terebinths and kermes oaks. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Olba ruins are an open area and its visit is completely free (Museum Card is not required).•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset.•Rules and Safety:Hiking shoes with non-slip soles should be worn due to the ancient stone-paved ground and rugged valley slopes; The historical aqueduct should not be climbed.•Facilities and Facilities:There are information boards and village coffeehouses around the ruins; Comprehensive facilities are in the center of Uzuncaburç, 4 km to the west. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Ören Mahallesi, Olba Yolu Location, Silifke / Mersin.•Road Conditions and Vehicle Availability: From Silifke district center, you can go to Uzuncaburç via Kırobası (Mara) road; You can reach the ruins directly by passenger vehicles via the asphalt village road that branches east from Uzuncaburç.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Uzuncaburç village minibuses depart from Silifke Bus Terminal in the morning and at noon, and you can reach Olba by walking the 4 km ancient road from Uzuncaburç or by taxi.•Parking Availability:Free car parking is available at the entrance of the ruins and in the village square opposite the aqueduct. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots:The angles framing the valley from the arch windows of the double-storey Roman aqueduct and the stone niches of the nymphaeum fountain building offer unique shots.•Light and Shooting Hours:In the early morning and afternoon sun, the ancient limestone blocks turn golden yellow.•Integrated Route:The visit to Olba should be planned together with Uzuncaburç (Diokaesareia) ruins, famous for its huge Temple of Zeus and Hellenistic Tower, which are 4 km away.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Fresh mountain thyme tea, sac pastry (squeezed) and Silifke's famous buttermilk plateau yoghurt should be tasted in the local village cafes.