About Korykos
At Kızkalesi, Korykos preserves a long-lived harbour settlement through its land castle, sea castle and extensive necropolis. Basilicas, rock-cut tombs and walls create a multilayered landscape beneath the two fortresses.
History
Korykos was a commercial port on the coast of Rough Cilicia in Hellenistic and Roman times. It expanded as a bishopric in late antiquity, when numerous basilicas were built. Byzantine rulers, the Armenian kingdom and powers connected with Cyprus strengthened the coastal and island castles in the Middle Ages. Maritime trade and defence sustained the settlement's importance. Modern Kızkalesi developed around its ancient and medieval remains.
Highlights and principal structures
- Korykos land castle
- Kızkalesi sea castle
- Extensive necropolis
- Rock-cut tombs
- Early Christian basilicas
- Ancient harbours
Historical period
Hellenistic–Roman–Byzantine