The history of this particular site is a little chilling. It seems the inhabitants burned their women and children and put themselves to the sword several times(?) rather than fall into the hands of marauding Persians or the Romans. The capital of Lycia, Xanthos occupies a prime spot above a twist in the river with commanding views of the whole valley. To get a good idea of the importance of this site you'll need to visit the British Museum where Fellow's finds were stashed away, transported by gunboat during the first half of the 19th century. There are still several monuments of import scattered about and the site is well worth an afternoon. If you're hurrying then check out the theatre and some of the more important tombs, which are sign posted from the car park.

The Lycian structures are augmented by Byzantine buildings including the obvious remnants of a large church with fascinating mosaics hidden beneath the sandy gravel and plastic sheeting put there recently to protect them. For the really keen a circuit of the remaining city walls is possible but you'll need some tough clothing and a good reason. The views from the top of the hill are nice.

Features:

• Pillar Tomb - 4th century (BC) sarcophagi, great for photos.

• Xanthian Stele - A pillar tomb with a lengthly inscription in Greek and Lycian.

• Theatre - Cant miss it.

• Harpy Tomb - A little disappointing but then it's only a copy. The real thing's in London

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