Xanthos and Letoon Travel Guide

Travel to Xanthos and Letoon - Discover the Legend of Leto

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Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 the twin cities of Xanthos and Letoon provide enough history and mythology to fill books. Xanthos was the capital of the Lycians and was coveted both by its immediate neighbours and invaders from Persia.

Lycian history stretches back to the time of the Trojan War, around 1200 BC and by 540 BC the city of Xanthos was well established. It is at this point that the city suffered the first of two catastrophic events; the first was the invasion of the Persians under Harpagus in 540BC forced the women and children to build pyres and commit suicide whilst the men fought to the death.

The second was occurred in 42 BC when, after centuries of rebuilding by the Lycian people (by then under Roman rule), the inhabitants were again forced to fight to the death in the Roman civil war with the women and children once more committing themselves to the pyre. Xanthos’s importance nonetheless remains and allowed it to prosper in the following period which saw great building works undertaken. The remains today are extensive and amongst the ruins are pillar tombs, a theatre, agoras and the famous Harpy Tomb.

Letoon’s history is mixed firmly with mythology and it is possible that the site history is extremely ancient indeed. It is possible that Cybele, the goddess of fertility and nature, was worshipped here prior to Leto. Legend relates the story of Leto, lover of Zeus, and her quest to find a place to give birth to the twins Apollo and Artemis. Wanting to slake her thirst she was sent away from the site of Letoon by shepherds and instead drank from the Xanthos River. After giving birth she returned to Letoon and changed the herdsmen into frogs for their cruelty.

A Leto cult and shrine became established and the oracle here became famous. Today the sites principle remains are the three temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo, mosaics and perhaps in an echo of the myth, the flooded nymphaeum where pools are home to many frogs.

Attractions in Xanthos and Letoon

Visitors to the two sites should also consider adding the ancient cities of Pinara and Sidyma to their itinerary. Little is known of Pinara in history, but the unfenced site has much to offer with rock-cut tombs, acropolis, odeion and wonderful views. Little is known too about Sidyma, but again this is a very beautiful place in which to explore, the monolithic tombs standing against beautiful backdrop of countryside and scattered through the modern village itself. Visitors are rare and you are likely to be able to wander completely alone.

The famous 20km-long beach at Patara is a big attraction for many and a visit to the beach can be combined with an exploration of the Lycian city and ancient naval base behind it. Inland is the city of Tlos is also well worth a visit, it’s craggy, hilltop position and dramatic ruins would be a major attraction in many other countries, with extensive tombs, baths and an amphitheatre.

Activities in Xanthos and Letoon

Allow a couple of hours for each site, more if you have a keen interest in the region and its history. Organise a tour with a driver guide to get the most out of the sites and visit off the beaten track places like Tlos, Pinara and Sidyma.

Relaxing

In visiting the sites you are likely to be based in one of the larger towns of Fethiye, Kalkan or Kaş, all of which have numerous facilities including restaurants and bars.

Getting Around

The ruins are spread out and can be difficult to reach by public transport if trying to see them on the same day. Unless you have lots of time it is best to hire a driver and vehicle or taxi in which case you could easily combine two or three sites in one day.

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