ANTIQUE STRUCTURES IN KAUNOS

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ACROPOL (Fortress and Ramparts):  

The inner fortress which contains the most important structures and temples is called acropol. Acropols were generally built on high hills where the defence is easier. 

The fortress in Kaunos is on a high hill. From this hill you can view the whole of the antique city, Dalyan, İztuzu coast, the town of Dalyan, the whole of the canal which extends between the Mediteranean like a blue line, fields, gardens, forrests which look like a paradise.

The eastern and the southern sides of the fortress is a steep abyss descending into the canal. That’s why it is only possible to reach the fortress from a path at the side of the antique theatre in the west.  

The double ramparts which surround the fortress were built in the 5^th century BC. From the walls, embrasure and merlons we understand that the fortress was restored in the middle age.

THEATRE: As in every antique habitation there is a theatre in Kaunos. The theatre draws the attention with its settlement and architectural style.

It’s in the west of Acropol. It’s composed of 3 sections; scene, orchestra and cavena (seats). Some of the cavenas are rested on the slope. The remaining cavenas are supported by vaults. The theatre overlooks the harbour and the city. Judging from the architectural structure, we can understand that the theatre witnessed 3 different eras. In 150 BC some of the cavenas, in 50 AD the remaining cavenas and some part of the stage, and in 150-200 AD the remaining part of the stage were built. Cavenas are in 9 rows and of 33 seats.

Today except for the stage and some of the cavenas, the theatre is in good condition. The orchestra section is covered with soil. The theatre is of medium-size.

CHURCH (Grand Church):  

At the right-hand side of the path leading to the theatre, a nice church stands. The researchers claim that there are two churches in this region. That’s why, the one which is next to the theatre is called the grand church. Existance of churches in Kaunos shows that formerly Christians lived here.

The church is estimated to have been built in the 5^th century or later. It’s composed of one entrance and three sections. The entrance is in the west, the sacred direction is in the east.  The tombs and the old buildings which surround the church were cleaned and the structure of the church came into sight.  

This bath is in the best condition among others in Anatolia. The bath consisted of an undressing section, cold water, warm water, hot water sections, creaming section, heating system and a swimming pool. 

These sections which became ruins in the course of time are now being restored. The most beautiful part of the bath is the southern part which consist of many windows. From these windows it’s possible to view the city and the harbour.  

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