Uzuncaburç (Diokaisareia) — the Temple of Zeus Olba in Mersin

Mersin AttractionsUzuncaburç (Diokaisareia) — the Temple of Zeus Olba in Mersin

Uzuncaburç (Diokaisareia): The Temple of Zeus Olba and the Forgotten Holy City of Cilicia

In the Taurus Mountains, 70 kilometers north of Mersin, at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level, lie the ruins of one of Turkey’s most atmospheric ancient cities—Uzuncaburç, known in antiquity as Diokaisareia. At its heart lies the 3rd-century BCE Temple of Zeus Olba, one of the oldest Corinthian temples in the world. Surrounding it are city walls, monumental gates, a basilica, tombs, a Roman theater, and a solitary tall tower that gave the site its modern Turkish name, “Uzuncaburç”—“tall tower.” The silence of the mountain forests, the thin air, and the clear Anatolian sky make a visit here one of the most meditative archaeological experiences in Turkey.

History

The earliest phase of the settlement is associated with the theocratic state of Olba, founded, according to legend, as early as the 2nd millennium BCE by the descendants of the legendary Trojan priest Ajax (Aias), son of Teucer. The state was ruled by a dynasty of hereditary priest-kings bearing the name Teucer or Ajax, who worshipped primarily Zeus Olbios. Olba controlled the mountainous regions of Cilicia Tracheia and held the coastal cities under its authority.

Uzuncaburç itself is the sacred city (hieron) of Olba, located a few kilometers from the capital of Olba proper (the modern village of Ura). At the turn of the 4th–3rd centuries BCE, a magnificent temple of Zeus was built here—one of the first in history to be constructed in the Corinthian order. Its design is attributed to one of the early masters of Hellenistic architecture; some researchers associate the project with Seleucus I Nicator.

During the Roman period, the city was renamed Diokaisareia (“City of Zeus Caesar”) in honor of the imperial cult and received the status of a polis. This was the period of its greatest prosperity—the 1st–3rd centuries CE—when the city walls, monumental gates, a basilica, a nymphaeum fountain, and numerous tombs were built. During the Byzantine era, the Temple of Zeus was converted into a Christian basilica, and the city itself became a bishopric.

Following Arab raids in the 7th–9th centuries and the shift in trade routes, the city fell into decline and was gradually abandoned. The area became part of the Seleucid Empire, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, and later the Ottoman Empire. The modern village of Uzuncaburç developed near the ruins and existed for a long time as a small rural settlement.

Systematic archaeological work began in the early 20th century; German, Austrian, and Turkish expeditions explored the temple and the city. Uzuncaburç has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List (since 2014).

Architecture and What to See

Temple of Zeus Olba

The main treasure of Uzuncaburç is the Temple of Zeus Olba, built in the early 3rd century BCE (around 295–280 BCE). It is one of the oldest known Corinthian temples in the world—along with the Temple of Apollo at Bassae and the Cyclopean temples of Athens. The platform measures approximately 21 × 40 meters; the building was once surrounded by a peristyle of 30 Corinthian columns (6 × 12), of which about half remain today—standing about 10 meters tall. The capitals display an early form of the Corinthian order with relatively simple acanthus foliage.

In the 5th–6th centuries CE, the interior of the temple was converted into a Christian basilica: an apse and a narthex were added, and the layout of the cella was altered. This is a rare example of an ancient temple that continued to serve as a religious center for nearly a millennium—first as a pagan temple, then as a Christian one.

The High Tower (Uzuncaburç)

A few hundred meters north of the temple stands the famous “tall tower”—a five-story Hellenistic military watchtower about 22 meters high. It is one of the best-preserved towers of its kind in Turkey. It is this tower that gave the modern village its name, Uzuncaburç (“High Tower”). From the top level (the internal staircase is partially preserved), a panoramic view of the Taurus Mountains opens up.

Monumental Gate

The city’s northeast gate (2nd century CE) is one of Uzuncaburç’s most impressive monuments. It is an arched propylon in the form of a triumphal arch, flanked by Corinthian columns and adorned with a sculpted cornice. The gate marks the beginning of the city’s main street.

City Wall and Streets

Significant sections of the city wall from the Hellenistic and Roman periods have survived, laid out in a regular grid pattern. The main street (cardo) runs from the northern gate to the Temple of Zeus; along it are fragments of colonnades, a nymphaeum fountain, and the remains of public buildings.

Theater and Basilica

A small Roman theater (2nd century CE) is carved into the hillside and seats approximately 2,500 spectators. The tiers of the cavea and fragments of the scaenae frons have survived. A Byzantine basilica (5th–6th centuries) is located just off the Temple of Zeus.

Tombs and Necropolises

Numerous Roman and Hellenistic tombs are located around the city and in the surrounding area—monumental mausoleums carved into the rocks in the form of small temples and massive sarcophagi. One of the most famous is a mausoleum with two pediments in the Hellenistic style, located on the road to the temple.

Interesting facts

  • The Temple of Zeus in Uzuncaburç is one of the oldest Corinthian peripteral temples in the world; its construction dates to a time when the Corinthian order was just emerging as an independent architectural system.
  • The city of Olba, capital of the state of the same name, is located just 4 km southeast of Uzuncaburç (in the village of Ura) and was connected to it by a sacred road.
  • The priest-kings of Olba bore the Greek names Theucus and Ajax for several centuries—an extremely rare form of hereditary theocratic rule in the ancient world.
  • In the Roman census, Uzuncaburç is mentioned as Diokaisareia—“the city of Zeus-Caesar”—reflecting the syncretic fusion of the cult of Zeus Olba and the cult of the emperor.
  • Uzuncaburç has been on UNESCO’s tentative list since 2014 and is actively being studied by Turkish and international archaeological missions.

How to get there

Uzuncaburç is located in the Silifke district of Mersin Province, in the Taurus Mountains, approximately 30 km north of the coastal town of Silifke and 70 km west of the center of Mersin. The road winds along a serpentine route, climbing from sea level to 1,200 meters—an adventure in itself, with magnificent views.

By car, the drive from Silifke to Uzuncaburç takes about 45 minutes (30 km). From Mersin, it takes about 1.5 hours (90 km). Renting a car is the most convenient option; public transportation in the mountains is irregular—dolmuşes from Silifke run a few times a day, so it’s best to check the schedule in advance.

The nearest airports are Adana Şakirpaşa (ADA, 200 km) and Hatay (HTY, 270 km). Regular buses run from Adana or Mersin to Silifke (1.5–2 hours); from there, take local transport or a taxi.

Tips for travelers

Uzuncaburç is an open-air archaeological park accessible year-round. Admission is charged but inexpensive; it is open from 8 :30 to 5 :00 (in winter) or until 7 :00 (in summer). Check the opening hours before your trip—they may be extended during peak season.

The best time to visit is late spring and fall (April–June, September–October). In summer, it’s cooler in the mountains than on the coast, but the sun is strong during the day. Snowfall occurs in winter; the road can become dangerous at times. Wear comfortable shoes—the grounds are rocky and uneven, and you’ll need good traction to climb the tower.

There are no cafes, shops, or restrooms of professional standard on the grounds; the village has a few small snack bars and tea houses. Bring water and a snack with you. Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough visit: the Temple of Zeus, the tower, the gates, the mausoleums, and the views will take exactly that long.

It’s convenient to combine this visit with a drive along the winding road through the Taurus Mountains, a stop in Olba (Ura) to explore the ruins of the ancient capital, and a descent to the coast with a stop in Silifke (fortress, Selçuk Han Palace). Silifke is historically linked to the death of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, who drowned in the Göksu River in 1190.

Photographers are in for a real treat: the Temple of Zeus with its Corinthian columns against the backdrop of pine forests and the Anatolian sky—one of the most picturesque ancient sights in Turkey. The best light is in the morning and in the first hours after sunrise, when the warm sun glides across the temple’s western facade.

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Frequently asked questions — Uzuncaburç (Diokaisareia) — the Temple of Zeus Olba in Mersin Answers to frequently asked questions about Uzuncaburç (Diokaisareia) — the Temple of Zeus Olba in Mersin. Information about the service's operation, capabilities, and use.
No, Uzuncaburç is the modern Turkish name, which translates to “tall tower.” It derives from a well-preserved five-story Hellenistic tower, approximately 22 meters high, located north of the Temple of Zeus. In antiquity, the city was called Diokaisareia—“the city of Zeus Caesar”—a name reflecting the syncretic cult of Zeus Olba and the Roman emperor.
The Temple of Zeus Olba is one of the oldest known Corinthian peripteral temples in the world, built around 295–280 BCE. At that time, the Corinthian order was just emerging as an independent architectural system, and Uzuncaburç stands alongside the Temple of Apollo at Bassae. Of the approximately 30 columns of the peristyle (6 × 12), about half have survived; they are approximately 10 meters tall. An additional rarity: in the 5th–6th centuries CE, the temple was converted into a Christian basilica, meaning it served as a religious center for nearly a millennium.
Not yet. Uzuncaburç has been on UNESCO’s tentative list since 2014, which means that Turkey has nominated the site, but a final decision on its inclusion on the World Heritage List has not yet been made. Nevertheless, its candidate status attests to the site’s recognized historical and architectural value.
Olba was an ancient theocratic state in the mountains of Cilicia Trachia, ruled for several centuries by hereditary priest-kings bearing the names of Teucer and Ajax. The state’s capital was located a few kilometers from Uzuncaburç, in the modern village of Ura. Uzuncaburç itself was the sacred city (hieron) of Olba and a place of worship for Zeus Olba, and the two settlements were connected by a special sacred road. Olba in Ura can be visited as part of a single trip—it is located just 4 km to the southeast.
Uzuncaburç is an open-air archaeological park with an admission fee that is reasonably priced. Hours of operation: 8 :30 a.m. to 5 :00 p.m. in winter and until 7 :00 p.m. in summer; hours may be extended during peak season. Before your visit, we recommend checking the current hours on official tourism websites or by calling the local administration—schedules are subject to change.
The 2nd-century CE Roman theater was carved directly into the hillside and could seat approximately 2,500 spectators; the tiers of the cavea and fragments of the scaenae frons have survived. The Hellenistic tower (Uzuncaburç), approximately 22 meters high, has partially preserved its internal staircase—the upper tiers offer a panoramic view of the Taurus Mountains. It is advisable to check on-site whether you can climb the tower: the condition of the staircase and access rules may change for safety reasons.
There are very few amenities within the archaeological park. There are no cafes, souvenir shops, or professional-grade restrooms. In the nearby village of Uzuncaburç, there are several small snack bars and tea houses. It is recommended that you bring water and a snack with you, especially if you plan to spend 2–3 hours at the site.
It’s convenient to combine a visit to Uzuncaburç with several nearby sites. The village of Ura (4 km to the southeast) features the ruins of the ancient capital of Olba; the road between the two settlements was considered sacred in ancient times. Silifke (30 km south) features a medieval fortress and the Selçuk Han Mosque; this city is historically linked to the death of the German Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, who drowned in the Göksu River in 1190. All of this can be covered in a single full day if you have a car.
The road from Silifke winds its way up from sea level to about 1,200 meters. In winter, snowfall occurs in the mountains, and road conditions can become hazardous at times—especially on steep sections. If you’re planning a trip between December and February, check the weather forecast in advance and make sure your car is equipped with winter tires or chains. During the rest of the year, the road is safe and, in fact, is a tourist attraction in its own right, offering picturesque views.
Yes, this is one of Turkey’s most photogenic ancient sites. The Corinthian columns of the Temple of Zeus, set against a backdrop of pine forests and the Anatolian sky, offer a rare blend of architecture and nature. The best light is in the first few hours after sunrise: the warm morning sun glides across the temple’s western facade, casting deep shadows between the columns. At noon, the contrast is harsh; the golden hour before sunset is also beautiful, provided you make it to the site before closing time.
User manual — Uzuncaburç (Diokaisareia) — the Temple of Zeus Olba in Mersin Uzuncaburç (Diokaisareia) — the Temple of Zeus Olba in Mersin User Guide with a description of the main functions, features, and principles of use.
The best times to visit are late spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). During these months, the weather is mild, the mountain roads are safe, and the lush greenery and fresh air provide a particularly beautiful backdrop to the ancient ruins. In summer, it is cooler in the mountains than on the coast, but the sun is strong in the middle of the day. In winter, snowfall and poor road conditions are possible—it is best to postpone your trip or check the forecast carefully.
The starting point of the route is the coastal town of Silifke—from there, it’s a 30-kilometer drive along a winding mountain road to Uzuncaburç (about 45 minutes). Buses run regularly from Mersin to Silifke (1.5–2 hours). The nearest airport is Adana Şakirpaşa (ADA, about 200 km from Uzuncaburç). The best option is to rent a car in Adana or Mersin: this gives you flexibility in planning and allows you to combine several destinations.
You can get from Silifke to Uzuncaburç by rental car (about 45 minutes), taxi, or the occasional dolmuş. Dolmuşes from Silifke run several times a day—it’s best to check the schedule in advance at the local bus station, as it’s irregular. A taxi is a more reliable option if you don’t have your own car. The road itself is a winding one with picturesque views of the Taurus Mountains; it’s worth treating it as part of the journey.
The ticket office is located at the entrance to the archaeological park. Please check the current hours of operation: in winter, the park is open until 5 p.m. :00; in summer, until 7 p.m. :00. A map of the site and key landmarks are available at the entrance. Bring water and a snack with you—there are no cafes or shops on the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction: the terrain is uneven, with many stone blocks and gravel.
Start at the monumental northeast gate from the 2nd century CE—this marks the beginning of the city’s main street (cardo). Walk past the remains of the colonnades and the nymphaeum to the Temple of Zeus Olba—the heart of the entire complex. Then head to the Hellenistic tower north of the temple: you can climb the preserved internal staircase to take in the mountain panorama. Off the main route, you’ll find the Byzantine basilica, a small Roman theater, and mausoleums. Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough tour of all the sites.
After exploring Uzuncaburç, head to the village of Ura (4 km to the southeast)—there you’ll find the ruins of the ancient capital of Olba, connected to Uzuncaburç by a sacred road. Then drive down the winding road back to the coast and stop in Silifke: here, be sure to visit the medieval fortress and the Selçuk Han Mosque. All together, this makes for a full-fledged one-day itinerary with a rich historical scope.