Anavarza Ancient City

The most suitable periods to visit Anavarza are the spring and autumn months. Spring, extending from March to May, makes the visit quite enjoyable with both mild weather and the green landscape of Çukurova. Autumn, lasting from mid-September to November, offers similar comfort.

In summer, especially in July and August, the plain temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. If you have to come during this period, prefer the early morning hours and do not forget to bring plenty of water. Winter months are relatively cool and rainy; dirt roads among the ruins can become muddy.

The most comfortable way to reach Anavarza is by private car. After a journey of approximately 70 km from Adana city center towards Kozan, you just need to follow the signs for Dilekkaya Village. You can search for Anavarza Castle or Dilekkaya Village in navigation applications.

For those preferring public transport, regular bus services are available from Adana to Kozan. From Kozan to Dilekkaya Village, it is possible to reach by minibus or taxi. Once you enter the village, the ancient city ruins become visible around you; for the castle, you need to follow the path through the village.

To efficiently explore Anavarza, we recommend allocating at least half a day. The Roman triumphal arch that greets you at the village entrance is a good starting point; from here, you can follow the traces of the colonnaded street to reach the ancient theater ruins.

Afterward, you can explore the city walls and proceed to the castle climb. The climb is of moderate difficulty and requires sturdy shoes; once you reach the summit, the endless view of the Çukurova plain awaits you. As you pass through the village, also pay attention to the ancient stone blocks and column capitals that have seeped into the gardens of local houses; these details are part of Anavarza's unique atmosphere.

Anavarza is truly a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts. The Roman triumphal arch offers impressive shots, especially in the morning light or during the golden hour. This structure, also known as the main gate, is one of the best-preserved Roman triumphal arches in Turkey.

The panoramic view of Çukurova taken from the castle's summit is also among the frequently shared photos on social media; some sources even compare this view to the Great Wall of China. In addition, perspective photos you capture while walking along the city walls and ancient stone textures within the village create very interesting compositions. A wide-angle lens and a polarizing filter will be very useful in this location.

Since Anavarza is an open area, there is no official entrance gate or information point. The ruins are scattered within and around the village; therefore, reviewing a general map beforehand will facilitate your visit.

Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential for the castle climb. Shaded areas in the ancient city are extremely limited; a hat, sunscreen, and sufficient water should definitely be with you. Since the number of facilities in the vicinity is quite limited, we recommend getting your food and drink needs from Kozan or Adana. Mobile phone network can sometimes be weak; you might consider downloading maps offline.

Anavarza's known history dates back to the 1st century BC, although information about the city before the Roman Imperial Period is quite limited. During Roman rule, the city became an important administrative and commercial center of the region, largely benefiting from the strategic location of the Cilician Plain.

In subsequent centuries, Anavarza came under the rule of the Byzantine, Armenian Cilician Kingdom, and Mamluk administrations, leaving traces in each period. Spanning an area of approximately 1,300 hectares, the city, along with its surrounding walls, holds the title of the largest castle in Çukurova. Its place on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List highlights its internationally recognized importance.