Winter picnic on the stadium seats at Cadianda |
True to form we have been staying in Uzumlu for the last three years, and living here since last April but had never visited Cadianda which is only about 6 kilometres up the road. Last week on a lovely winters day we finally decided to give it a look, so we packed a picnic and set off to see what the site had to offer.
I gather that it is possible to walk up to Cadianda from Uzumlu village itself, but not being as fit as we should be, we opted to drive up. We had heard that the drive to Cadianda which is on a single track road is fairly horrendous so we set off with some trepidation. But although some parts had to be taken very carfeully, due to rocks and divets, on the whole it was not too bad and we managed it fine in a normal small saloon car. Luckily we didn't meet anyone coming the other way, which could have been interesting as there are some tight bends as you would expect from a track that climbs so quickly, and only some places where it would be possible to pass another vehicle.
One of the information boards in the parking area |
We finally arrived at the car park where there are three information boards - two carry details of the site, one in Turkish and the other in English, the third is a rather scant map of the site. In the summer months there is a man in the hut to take money from you to visit the site , but in the winter his hut is closed and empty, as are the toilets also locked up.
So carrying our picnic we set off along the well marked route, through the woodland that has grown up in and among the ruins. The track started with a gentle incline which after a short while steepened as it headed off to the right. We followed it's direction and suddenly we were high enough to enjoy the most spectacular views of Fethiye town and the sea down below us.
Fantastic views of Fethiye, the harbour and out to sea |
We carried on climbing and eventually reached the stadium area, which still has the carved stone seats and a large grass area running along the front of it. I was fascinated how they had carved the stone to make a stairway up the middle of the seating area. This seemed a good place to stop for our picnic and a rest as the stones offered seating and a table.
The stadium - our choice of picnic spot |
After refreshments we looked at the ruins of the Hamam (bath house) before heading off to see the Sarnıç - water cistern. The remains of the large underground water tanks were clearly visible, and one must assume that a constant supply of water must have been quite a problem for them to have gone to so much effort.
Substantial remains of the old city wall |
Moving on we passed some underground rooms which clearly originally had painted walls. We really didn't know whether these were the remains of the older civilisation (pre-Roman) or were tombs.
Stunning views across the hills to the snow capped mountains |
Next we came to the Roman Theatre of which a remarkable amount was still intact, including the entrance and you could so well imagine an evening of entertainment taking place.
The Roman Theatre at Cadianda |
Then back to the car parking area for a well earned beer and a slice of cake before heading back down the hill enjoying the views over the valley to home.
Views over Uzumlu and Incirkoy |
Roman tile |
Roman tiles lay around the site |
You need to be careful in parts as there are lots of holes some of which are quite deep. Some of the track is also quite steep so you would need to be fairly fit to view it in the summer heat. But the track is clearly marked and their are signs in stategic positions to inform you of what you are seeing. All all things considered we had a wonderful day and I am sure we will visit the site again.
Columns left where they have fallen over the years |
It is worth the effort for the stunning views alone. I bet there are thousands of visitors to the area on holiday who don't even know it's there, this gem in the mountains only 24 kilometres from Fethiye.
Cadianda dates back to the 3rd-century BC although apparently there are no remains older than 5th-century BC visible on the surface of the site.
For those wishing to visit Cadianda you head to Yesil Uzumlu. Turn right into the village and when you reach the village centre turn left at the mosque, after about 6 kilometres there is a sign on the right for Cadianda, you then follow the mountain road for a few kilometres before finally reaching the site. It is possible to walk to the sight from the village centre, but it is a 5 kilometre uphill hike so only for those fitter than we are. You can get a dolmus from Fethiye (20 minutes) then walking up the hill past the Uzumlu Winehouse you will find a track at the top of the road, follow the signs. There are also organised trips by jeep to Cadianda, and during the mushroom Festival which Uzumlu holds in April transport is provided to visit the site.