Uzuncaburc is the ancient city of Diocaesarea, located in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, 25-30 km from Silifke district of Mersin. It features colonnaded streets from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the Temple of Zeus Olbios, the Temple of Tyche, and a well-preserved city gate.
Uzuncaburc, anciently known as Diocaesarea, was the center of Olba, an important temple state in the Cilicia region. Today, this ancient city, located in the middle of a modern village north of the Silifke district, which is part of Mersin province, transports visitors centuries back with its towering columns, well-preserved gates, and stone carvings. Among the extensive ruins, the Temple of Zeus Olbios, the Temple of Tyche (Fortune), the colonnaded street, and the theater are prominent structures.
Visitors to the site often express deep admiration for the craftsmanship of the animal figures in the stone carvings. The colonnaded street and city gate largely retain their grandeur; visiting the Temple of Tyche has almost become a tradition among visitors. As excavation and restoration work is still ongoing, it is possible to encounter new sections with each visit; the restoration of the theater is also among the ongoing projects. The active settlement within and around the ancient city creates a unique and interesting atmosphere.
Guide's Note
Uzuncaburc Ancient City is considered by the vast majority of visitors to be an extremely impressive open-air site. Spread over a large area, the city has largely preserved its historical texture with its colonnaded street and city gate. The Temple of Tyche is also among the particularly noteworthy structures.
Stone carvings and animal figures are among the details that attract visitors' attention. As excavation and restoration work is ongoing in the area, it is possible to encounter new sections with each visit; the restoration of a theater is also reported to be among the ongoing projects. It is recommended to allocate at least an hour to explore the area.
However, some points highlighted by visitors include:
- Difficulty of access: Being approximately 60 km from Silifke and the poor quality of the roads make access difficult.
- Settlement within the ancient site: In some parts of the area, people are still seen residing; this creates an unusual atmosphere for some visitors, and one might encounter curious glances.
What is Uzuncaburc and Why is it Important?
Diocaesarea holds an important place in history as the center of the Olba Temple State in the ancient Cilicia region. Founded in the Hellenistic period, the city continued its function in the Roman period and still carries the architectural traces of these two periods together today. The name Uzuncaburc comes from the tall columned structures in the region; the intertwining of the village with the ancient city gives it a unique character not found in any other ancient site.
Among the most striking structures in the area are the Temple of Zeus Olbios with its Corinthian order columns, the smaller but elegant Temple of Tyche, the colonnaded street, and the well-preserved city gate. As the restoration of the theater is also ongoing, the area is expected to gain a more comprehensive appearance in the coming years.
Best Time to Visit
The most suitable periods to visit Uzuncaburc are April-May and September-October. During these periods, temperatures are ideal for walking, and the area is relatively calm. In mid-summer, even in the foothills of the Taurus, midday feels intensely hot; planning a visit early in the morning or closer to evening offers a much more comfortable experience.
Although the site is open to visitors in winter, it is necessary to consider the possibility of fog and rain on the mountain roads. For those who want to take photographs, spring offers the most beautiful contrast of ancient stones with the surrounding greenery.
How to Get to Uzuncaburc?
The most practical way to reach Uzuncaburc is via Silifke. Silifke is approximately 75-80 km from Mersin city center, and there are regular bus services from there. From Silifke to Uzuncaburc, there is about a 25-30 km journey remaining.
Minibus services from Silifke to Uzuncaburc may not be regular, so it is important to check return times in advance. Going by rental car or private vehicle is the most flexible option. Part of the road is mountainous and winding, so careful driving is required. If you are departing from Mersin, it makes sense to plan a day trip by including Silifke in your itinerary.
Suggested Itinerary: What to See in Uzuncaburc?
Upon entering the site, the colonnaded street and city gate greet you first; this section is the best-preserved part and also the most productive spot for photography. From here, you can walk to the Temple of Zeus Olbios; the temple's tall Corinthian columns are quite impressive. Afterwards, visit the Temple of Tyche; visitors often state that one should not pass without seeing the temple of fortune. The theater ruins can also be included in your route; some sections may be closed due to ongoing restoration work.
Since the area is spread over a wide surface, comfortable walking shoes are essential. An average of 1.5 to 2.5 hours is sufficient to explore the entire area; this time may extend for those who enjoy taking photographs.
Photography Spots
Uzuncaburc is a rich area for photography enthusiasts. The colonnaded street offers an excellent line for perspective photographs; especially in the morning or evening hours when the light is low, the shadows of the columns create a dramatic atmosphere. The city gate is also ideal for framed photographs.
Shooting the columns of the Temple of Zeus Olbios from bottom to top is an effective method to convey the grandeur of the structure. The animal figures in the stone carvings offer a separate area of discovery for those interested in detailed photography. Shots where the village texture intertwines with ancient ruins are also unique to this place, hard to find elsewhere.
Things to Pay Attention To
There is an active settlement area within and immediately around the ancient city. While this creates an interesting atmosphere for visitors, it is important to respect the daily lives of the local people. Some visitors note that villagers may keep a distance from foreign visitors.
The quality of the roads from Silifke is not consistent in every section; if you are going by car, be prepared for the road conditions. Shaded areas are limited on the site, so bringing sunscreen and sufficient water is essential in summer. Pay attention to safety barriers in areas close to excavation sites.
What to Eat Nearby?
Dining options in Uzuncaburc itself are quite limited. A small cafe or grocery store might be found in the village, but it is recommended to bring your own food and drinks rather than relying on this. The best option for lunch is to stop in Silifke before or after your visit. Silifke is a district center where you can have a fulfilling lunch break with its regional dishes and local restaurants.
How Many Days Should Be Included in the Program?
Uzuncaburc alone deserves a half-day visit. If you plan to also explore Silifke and its surroundings, it makes sense to allocate at least one full day to the region. When combined with nearby points such as Silifke Castle, Aya Tekla Church, and Kizkalesi, this part of Mersin can easily turn into a two-day program.
It can also be planned as a day trip from Mersin city center; researching return routes and minibus times in Silifke in advance is important to avoid surprises.
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