Lyrboton Kome is an ancient olive village dating back approximately 2,200 years to the Roman period, located in Varsak Neighborhood of Kepez district in Antalya, and has been organized with the Archaeopark Project.
Lyrboton Kome is an ancient settlement hidden within the borders of Varsak Neighborhood, Kepez district, north of Antalya city center. With a history of approximately 2,200 years, this area, an important olive oil production village of the Roman period, was once known as one of the main sources that economically fed the Ancient City of Perge. It is believed that the wealth of Perge was based on the intensive olive cultivation in this village.
The area has been organized within the scope of the Archaeopark Project, initiated under the leadership of Kepez Municipality; it has been presented to visitors with ancient building remains, restored roads, informative panels, and walking trails. After the completion of excavation works, Lyrboton Kome has become an attractive stop for history enthusiasts and for those looking for a different experience within the city.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Antalya, Historical Places, Historical places in Antalya, Altınbeşik Cave.
Guide's Note
Lyrboton Kome Ancient City is an open-air site where active archaeological excavations are ongoing, notable for its proximity to Antalya city center. Visitors can see well-preserved stone pressing tools for olive oil production, church and residential ruins, and traces of Roman-era structures. Entrance is free, and the area is largely unfenced; this turns the visit into a more direct and intimate experience. Its view opening to the Antalya plain and the quiet atmosphere within the forest are positively received, especially by those who want to escape the city noise.
Regarding transportation, it is possible to reach the area by taking the tram to the last stop and walking for about 20 minutes, or by car. Visitors also report that excavation work is ongoing and officials plan improvements such as road construction. However, since the area is not yet fully organized, it is recommended to consider a few practical points before visiting.
- Road condition: The road leading to the area can be rough and steep; there is a risk of low-clearance vehicles hitting the ground.
- Open wells: Open wells have been identified in the area, caution is required during the visit.
- Lack of garbage and supervision: Multiple visitors have stated that there are no garbage containers in the area and barbecues are lit; supervision is insufficient.
- Information boards: It is reported that the existing directional and explanatory signs are only in Turkish.
- Weather and supplies: The area in the higher sections can be cool even in mid-summer; it is advisable to bring enough water, snacks, and appropriate clothing.
- "Closed" appearance on the map: The area may be marked as closed on digital maps, but visitors state that entry is actually open.
What is Lyrboton Kome?
Lyrboton Kome is an ancient village settlement located right within Varsak Neighborhood, Kepez district, Antalya. This Roman-era site is known in history as a village that sustained itself through olive oil production and provided raw materials and economic power to a large ancient city like Perge. Considering that the olive groves of this small village laid the groundwork for Perge's splendor, the significance of Lyrboton Kome in the region's history becomes clearer.
Thanks to the Archaeopark Project carried out by Kepez Municipality, the area has been transformed from a mere excavation site into an open-air museum, equipped with walking trails, informative panels, and restored ancient roads, open to the public. This approach both protects the ancient site and offers visitors an environment where they can directly experience history.
Best Time to Visit
Since Lyrboton Kome is an open-air site, the choice of season directly affects the visiting experience. Spring months (March, April, May) offer the most enjoyable period due to mild weather and green surroundings. Autumn (September-November) similarly provides a comfortable visiting opportunity.
As Antalya's temperatures rise considerably in summer, visiting the area in the early morning hours (preferably before 09:00) during June-August will provide advantages in terms of both comfort and photographic light. In winter, while the weather is generally mild, dirt paths can become difficult on rainy days.
How to Get There?
By private car: You can reach the area from Antalya city center by driving towards Varsak Neighborhood for approximately 35 minutes. Simply type 'Lyrboton Kome Ancient City' into your navigation app.
By public transport: Bus lines serving the Varsak Neighborhood route (including line 507 and VC53) can be used. It is recommended to confirm current schedules and stop information via local transportation apps. Connection to the area can also be made from Antalya's tram network; it will be useful to check city transportation maps for transfer points.
What to Eat Nearby?
There are no extensive dining options immediately around Lyrboton Kome. Before or after your visit, you can find simple but delicious examples of Antalya cuisine in local restaurants in Varsak Neighborhood. Especially tasting the region's olive oil dishes creates a beautiful harmony with the ancient city's olive theme.
For a broader dining experience, you may need to go to Kepez district center or Antalya city center. If you are planning a long walk, we recommend bringing water and light snacks with you.
Photography Spots
Lyrboton Kome offers a suitable environment for photography with scenes where natural light meets ancient stone ruins. Restored ancient roads and surrounding building remains provide beautiful shots, especially in the early morning hours or in the last light of the afternoon.
Informative panels scattered throughout the area and the surrounding olive trees also add richness to the composition. Wide-angle lenses will be useful for shots covering the entire area. If drone use is considered, you should research relevant regulations and municipal permit conditions in advance.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
Since the area is open-air, it is important to wear comfortable walking shoes; the ground can be slippery, especially during rainy periods. In summer, it is essential to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
We recommend following the official website or social media accounts of Kepez Municipality for current visiting hours and possible events. As the area is an active archaeological work zone, some parts may be closed from time to time. Not damaging historical remains and showing respect for informative panels are of great importance for the preservation of the site.
Suggested Itinerary: Lyrboton Kome and Beyond
You can combine Lyrboton Kome with other ancient sites in Antalya to create a full historical tour. Perge Ancient City is directly historically connected to Lyrboton Kome, so visiting them on the same day or the next day will help you understand both sites together.
A route starting from Kepez and extending to Perge offers the opportunity to see both ancient village life and the grandeur of a large Roman city on the same day. If you can spare more time, Aspendos Ancient Theater can also be added to this route.
Lyrboton Kome Ancient City Videos
Lyrboton Kome Ancient City videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
