Anaboura Harabesi, Isparta'nın Şarkikaraağaç ilçesinde Kızılkale Dağı üzerinde Roma dönemine ait antik bir kent yerleşimi olup, sur kalıntıları, tapınak temeli ve toplantı alanı vadide korunmaktadır.
Anaboura was established in a valley near the summit of Kızılkale Mountain, in the Enevre locality of Salur Village, which is part of Şarkikaraağaç. The city is surrounded by a wall; the parts standing today are rubble ruins and the foundations of the southern castle walls. The settlement continues on a ridge down the valley to the northwest: here are the foundation traces of a small temple and seating steps belonging to what is called a "theater" but is actually a meeting area.
Roman period provincial craftsmanship defines the general character of the construction. Local dark blue stone was used in the houses, while white limestone was preferred for more elaborate structures such as the temple and meeting area. The temple is thought to have been a small prostylos-plan structure, meaning it had a row of columns at its entrance. No inscriptions have been found in the vicinity to date; this makes it difficult to obtain clear information about the city's name and exact founding date.
The castle is completely destroyed, so one should not expect a magnificent structure. What makes Anaboura special is that it has remained almost untouched in the mountainous terrain. The landscape, surrounded by pine forests and agricultural lands, is as striking as the ruins.
Guide's Note
What are the Anaboura Ruins?
Anaboura is a small urban settlement established during the Roman period. It was built in a valley extending in the northwest-southeast direction on Kızılkale Hill. Of the wall surrounding the city, today only piles of rubble and wall traces at foundation level remain. Researchers state that they have not found any inscriptions during their investigations in the vicinity; therefore, the city's name and history are still not fully clear.
How to Get There?
From Isparta city center, you reach the Şarkikaraağaç district, and from there, Salur Village by car. Within the village limits, you proceed towards the Enevre Locality; the final part requires a hike. Going by your own vehicle is the most practical way, as public transport does not directly reach this point. For those passing through on the Ankara-Antalya highway, an 11 km detour is sufficient.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
45 minutes is sufficient for the ruins. Travel time should be calculated separately, as the part after Salur Village is covered on foot, not by vehicle. Those who want to take photos and explore the valley from end to end can extend this period up to an hour.
Other Stops in the Vicinity
There are other places to visit around Şarkikaraağaç: Ördekçi Castle is approximately 8 km to the northwest, Kızıldağ National Park hiking trails are a little further to the northeast. The ancient city of Neapolis is 15 km away and can be added to the same day's itinerary. It is possible to visit both Anaboura and one or two of these points in a single day.
Things to Know Before You Go
The castle is completely destroyed, so do not expect large standing structures. The terrain is mountainous and not signposted; saving the GPS location beforehand will make your job easier. It is necessary to bring hiking shoes and sufficient water, as there is no shade or water source in the vicinity. It is not a crowded tourist spot, so it may be useful for solo travelers to ask villagers for directions.
Good Spots for Photography
Hilltops overlooking the valley capture both the ruins and the surrounding pine forest and agricultural lands. The light is softer in the morning hours, while both shooting and hiking can become difficult in the midday heat.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn months are more comfortable in terms of both temperature and terrain conditions. In summer, it is difficult to find shaded areas in the mountainous terrain, and in winter, road conditions may vary; it is wise to confirm road conditions from the village or local sources before going.
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