The Fethiye city walk - Markets and Monuments (featuring the Aminthas Rock Tombs).

The route shows the most interesting of Fethiye. We will pass by the Vegetable market, The Aminthas Rock Tombs, The ruins of the Castle, the Telmessos Theatre, the old town, the fish market and the harbor with its boulevard.
The starting point is in a quiet neighbourhood next to a playground where there is also parking space.
Shortly after the start we pass an MMM Migros with a restaurant next to it (waypoint "Restaurant and MMM Migros"). On the way there we could buy some food and drinks for the road, on the way back we could eat in this restaurant. It has good Turkish dishes for a fair price and they speak English.
Then we come to the vegetable market.

Vegetable market - Fethiye Cuma Pazarı - only Tuesday and Friday untill 15.00h
This market extends over a large area near the stadium. There are a great number of stalls with fresh products from the area. A must see and a good opportunity to buy vegetables. The market is only open on Tuesdays and Fridays. So those are the best days to walk this route.

The Aminthas Rock Tombs.
There are numerous rock tombs carved into the steep slopes of the southern hills of Fethiye. However, facing north and easily seen from the plain below, the most famous is that of "Aminthas son of Hermapias".
Dated to the 4th century BCE, using epigraphic techniques, the front of the tomb, is in the form of an "in antis' style Ionion temple, carved in to the rock. To reach the tomb a long stairway has been constructed. Hewn from the limestone, the Ionian colums immediately attract attention. Flanking the colums are the anterior walls of the chamber; one on the eastern left side of the chamber and the other on the western right side. On the upper part of each wall are three emblems. The ones at the western frontal wall have been eroded by subterranean water seeping through the main rock.
The metal nail relief can still be clearly seen on the four panel door.
The Aminthas tomb and the others in the vicinity are some of the finest examples of the architecture and the rock carving of wooden and metal craftmanship in Lycia.
Some of the colums in this group of rock tombs, now regarded as a symbol of the town, have been broken and eroded by natural factors.

The ruins of the Castle
The Castle is located up on the hill, and just built on the site where once the town itself stood. Over time, the city expanded and descended to the base, while Fethiye castle remained alone in its beauty and grandeur. It was originally built in the 11th century and during the 15th century, the Knights of Rhodes again rebuilt and renovated the ruins. During this period the castle was used as a naval base.
Once you climb to the walls up on the hill, you will see that not much is left of the castle, but you will not be disappointed. You will definitely enjoy the view of the city that stretches out in front of you.
This walk was made in the week after the tremendous earthquakes of February 6, 2023. The flags on the photos are therefore at half-mast.

Cahit Ünal Yolu
Cahit Ünal Yolu - Picnic areas - Scenic passage with many views over city and harbour.
This road is very popular for eating outside or having a drink with others. So it can be very busy on days off.

Fethiye Roman Theater (Telmessos Theatre)
Capacity: ca. 8.000 spectators
Dimensions: ø cavea: 76,5 m ø orchestra: 29,5 m
The originally late Hellenistic theatre was built on a natural slope and was rebuilt and extended several times in Roman times. The stone stage house was built in the 2nd century AD. Today it has two tiers with a total of 28 rows of seats. The balustrade between the orchestra and the lower rows of seats, which was necessary to protect the spectators during gladiatorial and animal fights, was not added until the 3rd or 4th century AD. The theatre was probably abandoned in the 7th century A.D. and was covered by rubble over the centuries. In the years 1992 - 1995 it was largely uncovered by the Fethiye Museum. The theatre was "restored" between 2013 and 2015.
(source: http://www.tuerkei-antik.de/Theater/telmessos_en.htm )
At present it is closed for visitors (February 2023)

The old town at the foot of the hill.
After passing the theater we walk a short distance through a rather old neighborhood with houses that are built on the former rocks (sometimes they protrude from the walls) and where the water pipes have just been pulled above the ground. Some of the houses are in bad shape but it is very interesting to have a look, although it seems a bit like tourists are not supposed to venture here.
(On the other hand, there are several apartments for rent in this urban area, including Reddoors, located on a spot with a splendid view, which is included in this route.)

Fethiye Fish Market - Balık Pazarı
The fish market offers a combination of market stalls and restaurants. You can buy fish there and then choose whether you want to take it home or eat it on the spot!
There is a large selection of fish available.

The Boulevard and main square.
Along the coast we follow the boulevard where we will find many bars, restaurants and where people stroll around. There are many agencies to book trips and there are also many boats that provide all kind of excursions.

Some additional information:
The route is designed in a clockwise direction.
There are picnic tables after 3 kilometers
The track is easy from a technical point of view, the ascent to the Aminthas Rock Tomb is with stairs.

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