The Narlykuyu Museum — the "Three Graces" mosaic in Silifke

Mersin AttractionsThe Narlykuyu Museum — the "Three Graces" mosaic in Silifke

The Narlıkuyu Museum—a tiny treasure trove of Roman mosaics on the coast of Cilicia

The Narlıkuyu Museum (Narlıkuyu Mozaik Müzesi) is a compact yet extraordinarily valuable archaeological pavilion located in the seaside village of the same name in the Silifke district of Mersin Province. Opened in 1976, it is built directly over 4th-century AD Roman baths and preserves, in its original location, the famous “Three Graces” mosaic—one of the finest examples of late antique mosaic art in modern-day Turkey. Despite its modest size, this museum is a must-see stop on the way from Mersin to Alanya, especially for travelers interested in the history of the province of Cilicia and the Roman heritage of the Mediterranean coast. Here, just a few meters from the beach and seafood taverns, lies a floor mosaic that has preserved the faces of ancient goddesses and the words of an ancient Greek inscription for two thousand years.

History and Origin

The village of Narlykuyu, which translates from Turkish as “Pomegranate Well,” is located in a picturesque bay on the Mediterranean coast, about 20 kilometers east of Silifke. In antiquity, this region was part of Cilicia Trachea (Rocky Cilicia)—a mountainous coastal province of the Roman Empire renowned for its pirates, fabulous landscapes, and sanctuaries. The site itself gained fame thanks to a spring of pure fresh water gushing right by the sea; the Romans called it the Calliroi Spring and believed that the water prolonged youth and beauty for those who drank it.

In the 4th century CE, during the reign of the Poemian brothers, small thermal baths—public baths serving passing travelers and local residents—were built on this site. The floor of the main hall was paved with a magnificent mosaic dedicated to the Three Graces—Aglaea (Radiant), Euphrosyne (Joyful), and Thalia (Flourishing), companions of Aphrodite who personified beauty, grace, and joy. The mosaic was accompanied by a Greek inscription praising the builders of the baths. After silting up and the gradual destruction of the baths, the mosaic was buried under a layer of earth and was accidentally discovered by local residents in the first half of the 20th century.

Systematic excavations and restoration were carried out in the 1960s and early 1970s under the auspices of the Turkish Ministry of Culture. In 1976, a protective pavilion was erected over the preserved mosaic, which became an official museum. Since then, Narlykuyu has remained one of the few places in the world where an ancient Roman mosaic can be viewed exactly where it was laid sixteen centuries ago, without being moved to a museum in the capital.

Architecture and What to See

The Narlykuyu Museum is a compact pavilion-style building designed to preserve a single, yet outstanding, archaeological site. Architecturally, it is modest and functional: a low, rectangular structure with a gabled roof that protects the mosaic floor from the sun, rain, and salt in the sea air. Inside, wooden walkways and glass railings have been installed so that visitors can examine the composition in every detail without stepping on it.

The “Three Graces” mosaic is the main exhibit

The central composition covers approximately 4 square meters and is made of small tesserae in all shades of Mediterranean stone—cream, ochre, dark brown, black, coral red, and gray-blue. The Three Graces are depicted in the classical style: three nude young women stand embracing one another, two of them looking forward, while the one in the middle turns her back to the viewer. This iconography, dating back to Hellenistic sculpture, is repeated in dozens of Roman and Byzantine works, but it is the Narlikuy version that stands out for the liveliness of the faces, the softness of the lines, and the subtlety of the half-tones. The artist used tiny tesserae measuring just 3–5 millimeters, which allowed him to convey the individuality of each figure.

Greek inscription and figures of builders

Next to the central composition are two smaller but no less interesting scenes. The first depicts two men in tunics standing next to the statue; they are believed to be the brothers and governors Poemenii, with whose funds the baths were built. The second scene is a poetic inscription in ancient Greek, praising the builders and mentioning the Calliroi spring. This inscription is the most important epigraphic monument of early-library poetry in Cilicia and is cited in all reference works on the region’s late-antique literature.

Artifacts and Context

In addition to the mosaic itself, the museum features small display cases with artifacts found during the excavations: ceramic fragments, bronze household items, Roman lamps, and coins from the 4th–6th centuries. All exhibits are labeled in Turkish and English. Special attention should be paid to the display featuring a hypothetical reconstruction of the baths’ interior: it helps visitors understand what the hall looked like, the floor of which was covered by the mosaic.

The Calliroi Spring and Surroundings

Right next to the museum, an ancient freshwater spring continues to flow underground, having supplied the baths for centuries. Locals claim that the water is particularly cold and pure; a small stone pavilion allows tourists to fill bottles with it. From the museum, it’s a two-minute walk to the miniature Narlykuyu Embankment, with wooden walkways over the clear water and dozens of open-air seafood restaurants serving freshly caught mullet, sea bream, and shrimp.

Kenik Cave and the Heaven and Hell Sinkholes

Two kilometers from the museum lie the famous geological sinkholes—the Jennet ve Cennet (Heaven and Hell) caves. These are massive karst sinkholes in a limestone massif, at the bottom of one of which an early Christian chapel from the 5th century has been preserved. According to legend, it was here that Zeus imprisoned the monster Typhon, who had attempted to overthrow the Olympian gods. Many travelers combine a visit to the museum with a tour of the caves—the distance allows for this to be done in half a day.

Interesting Facts and Legends

  • The Calliroi Spring is mentioned by the ancient geographers Strabo and Pomponius Mela as the “healing waters of Cilicia,” said to aid in treating stomach ailments and bestowing beauty.
  • The “Three Graces” mosaic from Narlykuyu is considered one of the earliest examples in Asia Minor of a detailed portrait depiction of mythological figures with such individualized faces.
  • Poemen, mentioned in the inscription, was the governor of Isauria and Cilicia and is known from several epigraphic monuments in the region; some researchers identify him with the eponymous correspondent in Symmachus’s letters.
  • In local folklore, the water from the Narlykuyu spring is still called the “elixir of youth,” and many elderly villagers come here daily.
  • Excavations in the 1960s were conducted by archaeologist Hüseyin Yolalan, whose reports remain the primary source of information about the site.
  • The full name of the sinkholes near the museum is “Cennet ve Cehennem,” which translates to “Heaven and Hell”; the depth of “Hell” exceeds 120 meters, and only climbers with equipment can descend there.
  • Turkish historical series and documentaries about Roman Cilicia were regularly filmed in Narlykuyu—the mosaic appeared on screen as a “backdrop” for imperial bath scenes.

How to get there

Narlykuyu is located on the D400 highway, which runs along the Mediterranean coast from Mersin to Alanya. The distance from Mersin is about 75 kilometers (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car), from Silifke—22 kilometers (25 minutes), and from Antalya—about 350 kilometers (5–6 hours).

The most convenient option is a private or rental car: the road is scenic and runs along cliffs, coves, and beaches. Municipal buses and dolmuşes run several times a day from Mersin and Silifke to the village of Narlykuyu; the stop is a five-minute walk from the museum. The nearest airports are Adana Şakirpaşa (ADA, about 150 km) and Gazipaşa-Alanya (GZP, about 240 km). Parking near the museum is free, and there are usually enough spaces even during peak season. If you’re traveling on a cruise ship calling at Mersin, you can reach Narlykuyu in an hour by taxi.

Tips for travelers

It takes about 30–45 minutes to tour the museum; you should allow the same amount of time for a walk around the bay and lunch at one of the taverns. The best time to visit is spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), when the heat subsides but the sea remains warm enough for swimming. In the summer, especially in July–August, we recommend arriving in the morning (the museum usually opens at 9 :00) or closer to sunset to avoid the peak heat and tour groups.

The ticket office accepts Turkish lira in cash and credit cards; Müzekart+ is accepted—an annual pass for museums in Turkey that pays for itself after visiting 5–7 sites. Inside the pavilion, it’s cool thanks to the thick walls and shade; photography without a flash is permitted. Keep in mind that the walkways are narrow and not wheelchair-accessible; elderly visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as there are several steps in the hall.

Combine your trip to Narlikuyu with visits to nearby attractions: the Cennet ve Cennet caves (10 minutes by car), the ancient city of Korikos with its famous Kizkalesi Sea Fortress (15 minutes), the ruins of Aya-Fekla (25 minutes), as well as the fortress and castle of Silifke. A full “Roman Cilicia in a Day” itinerary includes all these sites with lunch in Narlykuyu. On the way back, be sure to try the local grilled fish, fig lemonade, and dondurma (Turkish ice cream with a stretchy consistency). Fill a bottle with water from the Kalliroi spring—it may not be the “elixir of youth,” but you’ll hardly find anywhere else to drink such cool, clear water of ancient origin.

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Frequently asked questions — The Narlykuyu Museum — the "Three Graces" mosaic in Silifke Answers to frequently asked questions about The Narlykuyu Museum — the "Three Graces" mosaic in Silifke. Information about the service's operation, capabilities, and use.
“The Three Graces” is a 4th-century CE floor mosaic created during the Late Antique period. It depicts the three companions of Aphrodite—Aglaea, Euphrosyne, and Thalia. What makes this work unique is that the artist used tesserae measuring just 3–5 millimeters, which allowed him to capture the individual features of each figure. It is one of the earliest examples in Asia Minor of a portrait-style, individualized depiction of mythological characters. The mosaic still lies in its original location—where it was laid sixteen centuries ago.
It takes about 30–45 minutes to tour the exhibition: the museum is compact and centered around a single main exhibit. If you plan to stroll along the waterfront, try some fish at a local tavern, and fill up on water from the Kalliroi Spring, allow an additional 45–60 minutes. All in all, it takes about 1.5 hours. If you’re combining this with the Genet ve Genem Caves and the Kizkalesi Fortress, plan on a full day.
Yes. In addition to the central mosaic “The Three Graces,” the hall features a scene believed to depict the governor brothers Poemen and a poetic inscription in Ancient Greek—the most significant epigraphic monument in Cilicia. The display cases feature artifacts found during excavations: pottery, bronze objects, Roman lamps, and coins from the 4th–6th centuries. A separate display presents a hypothetical reconstruction of the interior of the ancient baths, which helps visitors imagine the hall’s original appearance.
The ticket office accepts Turkish lira in cash and credit cards. The Müzekart+ is also available—an annual pass for Turkey’s state museums. If you plan to visit 5–7 or more museums during your trip, the card pays for itself. You can purchase it at the ticket offices of major museums across the country, including those in Istanbul and Ankara.
Yes, photography without a flash is permitted. You may photograph the mosaic from the wooden walkways that run above the exhibit. Important: Flash photography is prohibited, as bright light gradually damages the pigments in the tesserae. For the best photos, we recommend visiting in the morning, when the side lighting highlights the mosaic’s texture and color.
The museum is partially accessible: there are several steps inside the pavilion, and the wooden walkways are quite narrow—wheelchairs cannot pass through them. Elderly visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles. If you have any questions regarding accessibility, it is best to contact the local office of the Turkish Ministry of Culture in advance.
The Calliroi Spring is a natural freshwater spring that flows right by the sea, next to the museum. In ancient times, the geographers Strabo and Pomponius Mela referred to it as the “healing waters of Cilicia.” It was this spring that inspired the construction of the thermal baths and, according to legend, bestowed beauty upon those who drank from it. There is no scientific evidence of its rejuvenating effects, but the water is indeed cold and clear. A small stone pavilion has been built near the spring, where tourists can fill their bottles with water.
Yes, combining the two is a great idea. Just two kilometers from the museum are the Caves of Jannet ve Jannem (Heaven and Hell)—huge karst sinkholes up to 120 meters deep, with a 5th-century early Christian chapel at the bottom of one of them. A 15-minute drive away is the ancient city of Korikos and the famous Kyzkalesi Sea Fortress on an island right off the coast. A 25-minute drive away are the ruins of Aya-Fekla. All these sites make up the “Roman Cilicia” day trip, with lunch at the fish taverns of Narlykuyu.
The best times to visit are spring (April–May) and fall (September–October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, the sea is warm enough for swimming, and there are significantly fewer tourist groups. In summer, during July–August, temperatures can exceed 35–40 °C; if you’re visiting in summer, go in the morning right after opening (around 9 :00) or in the evening before sunset—this way you’ll avoid the peak heat and the influx of tour groups.
First and foremost, this is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Rome, mosaic art, ancient Cilicia, or the early Christian period. The museum will also appeal to photographers: the mosaics are photogenic at any time of day. Families with children may find the site a bit short, but combined with a swim in the cove and a tour of the caves, it becomes a full-fledged adventure. For those simply driving along the coast from Mersin to Alanya, it’s an ideal stop for an hour and a half without having to detour from the D400 highway.
The mosaic was discovered by chance by local residents during excavation work in the first half of the 20th century. Systematic excavations were conducted in the 1960s and early 1970s by archaeologist Hüseyin Yolalan, with support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture. In 1976, a protective pavilion was erected over the preserved mosaic, which became an official museum. Since then, the exhibit has been preserved in situ—in the very spot where it was laid in the 4th century.
Parking at the museum is free and usually has enough space even during peak season. Just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance, you’ll find dozens of seafood restaurants and open-air taverns right on the Narlykuyu waterfront. Here you can enjoy freshly caught mullet, sea bream, and shrimp, as well as local drinks—fig lemonade and traditional dondurma. You can also grab a bite to eat at the small cafes along the D400 highway.
User manual — The Narlykuyu Museum — the "Three Graces" mosaic in Silifke The Narlykuyu Museum — the "Three Graces" mosaic in Silifke User Guide with a description of the main functions, features, and principles of use.
Narlykuyu is located on the D400 highway—the main coastal road of the Mediterranean. It is about 75 km (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) from Mersin, 22 km (25 minutes) from Silifke, and about 350 km (5–6 hours) from Antalya. Mark not only the museum itself but also nearby attractions—the Cennet ve Cennet Caves and Kizkalesi Fortress—on your maps in advance so you can plan a single itinerary and avoid retracing your steps.
The most convenient option is to drive your own car or rent one: the road winds along cliffs and coves and is picturesque in its own right. Municipal buses and dolmuşes run several times a day from Mersin and Silifke to the village of Narlykuyu; the stop is a five-minute walk from the museum. Leave in the morning: the museum opens around 9 :00, and there are fewer tour groups during the first few hours, plus the mosaics are better lit for photos. In the summer, an early start also helps you avoid the midday heat.
Parking at the museum is free and can accommodate a sufficient number of cars, even during peak season. Look for the sign for “Narlıkuyu Mozaik Müzesi” on Highway D400. If you’re traveling by bus or dolmuş, ask the driver to drop you off near the village of Narlıkuyu—it’s no more than a five-minute walk along the waterfront from the stop to the museum.
The ticket office accepts Turkish lira in cash and credit cards. If you have a Müzekart+ (an annual pass for museums in Turkey), present it—admission will be free. Check with the ticket clerk for the current opening hours: they may vary slightly by season. Photography without a flash is permitted inside; it’s best to leave your flash and tripod outside.
Upon entering the pavilion, allow your eyes to adjust to the soft lighting—the contrast with the bright sunlight outside is striking. Start with the central mosaic, “The Three Graces”: walk around it on the wooden walkways from different angles, noting the delicacy of the tesserae and the individual features of each figure. Then examine the side scenes—the depiction of the Poemenia brothers and the Greek verse inscription. Finish at the display cases with artifacts and the stand featuring a reconstruction of the baths’ interior: it helps you imagine what this place looked like in the 4th century.
As you leave the museum, stop by the stone pavilion above the Kalliroi Spring—it’s just a few meters from the entrance. Fill a bottle with water: it’s cold and clear, which is especially refreshing on a hot day. Afterward, take a stroll along the tiny Narlykuyu promenade with its wooden walkways over the crystal-clear water and pick a restaurant for lunch—they serve fresh fish, seafood, and local drinks here.
After lunch, head to the Caves of Jannet ve Jannem (Heaven and Hell)—about 2 km from the museum, a 10-minute drive. Descend into the “Heaven” cave to see the 5th-century early Christian chapel. Then, if you wish, drive to the Kyzkalesi Fortress and the ancient city of Korikos (15 minutes), and then to the ruins of Aya-Fekla (another 25 minutes). This itinerary allows you to cover the key sites of Roman and Early Byzantine Cilicia in a single day.
Before you leave, be sure to try dondurma—a traditional Turkish ice cream with a chewy texture—at one of the stalls along the waterfront. If you didn’t fill up on water from the Kalliroi spring this morning, do so now. On the way back along the D400 highway, keep an eye out for signs pointing to other coastal attractions: the coastline between Silifke and Mersin is rich in historical sites that are easy to incorporate into your next trip.