Sagalossos - Not a "Bridge Too Far" But a Hill Too Steep!

The last two days have involved long hours in the car as we've travelled from Eastern Turkey south to the Mediterranean coast.  It was truly a joy to see the sea again.  We stayed one night in Mersin in a hotel with views of the beach and last night was spent in Alanya, very much a beach resort city.  Actually, it was the first place I ever set foot in Turkey as it was a stop on an Azamara cruise about three years ago.  Our hotel was across from the beach and, after watching the sunset from my room, I headed down to the terrace to have dinner with Atahan.  It was about 25' and we had an enjoyable evening with great food.  The hotel was a bit quirky, however, as I had a bicycle hanging over my bed, there were "odd" signs all over and the hallway on my floor was lit bright red like some sort of bordello!






Our delicious charcuterie board

And yummy chips



Leaving Alanya this morning, our destination was Sagalossos which was to be the last of our cultural/archaeological stops on this journey.  To get there, we had to leave the coast and head up - way up - into the Taurus Mountains.  I had been looking forward to seeing the famous fountain there.

Yes, more goats on the road - or are they sheep?

About Sagalossos:  it is located near Burdur and was a prominent ancient city founded during the 5th century BCE.  It became part of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon before being absorbed into the Roman Empire.  Under Roman rule, it thrived as a key urban centre of the region of Pisidia.  It is known for its monumental architecture, including a theatre, Roman baths, and magnificent fountain (nymphaeum).

When we pulled into the parking lot and I looked up at those ancient ruins, I knew that I simply didn't have it in me to hike up another steep, rough trail to see them up close.  I was very disappointed but had to compromise my desire against ability.  I managed to take a couple of photos from where I was sitting on the terrace and, thankfully, Atahan hiked up there and got some fabulous shots, especially a video of the famous fountain.  In hindsight, maybe I should have pushed myself but it might have just exacerbated my back pain and that was just not worth it.  At least I got to enjoy the spectacular views across the Taurus Mountains.  







The photo I took zooming in from a distance

Looking up at the ruins








Next up, we head back to the coast for some much needed rest and relaxation until it is time for me to return home.

 

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