




The Home of the Gods and the UNESCO-Listed Sacred Heart of Lycia
Letoon Ancient City
Letoon Ancient City: The Sacred Heart of Lycia
(UNESCO World Heritage, Trilingual Inscription, Mythology, Sanctuary of the Gods)




Located at the southernmost border of the Fethiye region, right next to the ancient city of Xanthos, Letoon is not a typical "city" or military fortress. It was the common national sacred site and religious administrative center of the entire Lycian League. In mythology, it is believed to be the place where the goddess Leto, pregnant by Zeus, took refuge to protect her twin children, Apollo and Artemis, after their birth. As the place where the most critical decisions of the Lycian assembly were made, where kings swore oaths of allegiance, and where all federal festivals were organized, Letoon served for centuries as one of the most revered centers of faith in the Mediterranean world.
Historical and Archaeological Character
-
The Three Great Divine Temples: Arranged side-by-side, forming the heart of the city, these three monumental temples are Letoon's most magnificent structures. The Temple of Leto, located in the west, is the largest and was built in the noble Ionian order. In the center lies the smaller Temple of Artemis, dedicated to the goddess's children, and to the east, the Temple of Apollo, adorned with exquisite floor mosaics. These three temples represent the clearest vision of ancient religious architecture in the Mediterranean.
-
The Memory Stone: Birthplace of the Trilingual Inscription: The "Trilingual Inscription"—one of the greatest discoveries in world history, now protected at the Fethiye Archaeology Museum—was found right near the Temple of Apollo in this sacred area. The fact that the official language of the Lycian League was carved into stone alongside Greek and Aramaic makes this site the heart of ancient diplomacy and multiculturalism.
-
The Great Water Temple (Nymphaeum): Located just behind the temples, this massive monumental fountain building was constructed over the sacred spring where, according to mythology, the goddess Leto bathed her twins. Even today, during winter and spring, the rising groundwater transforms this sacred area into a natural pond, lending a fairytale-like atmosphere to the ruins.
-
Stage of Sacred Festivals (The Theater): Beyond classical plays, Letoon’s massive theater was a grand public space where delegates, priests, and the public from all Lycian cities gathered for religious ceremonies, sacrificial rituals, and federal celebrations.
"Escapes Go" Historical Note.
-
Since 1988, Letoon has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List alongside its neighbor, Xanthos. This site is more than just stone blocks; in the ancient world, it was a zone of "international immunity." Even in times of war, Mediterranean pirates and invading armies, fearing the wrath of the gods, never touched the borders of Letoon or harmed the people seeking refuge there.
Location and Transportation Tips (The Sea Route Ritual)
-
Location: Situated approximately 63 km from Fethiye city center, within the Kumluova neighborhood, near the border between the Seydikemer and Kaş districts.
-
Transportation by Private Vehicle: Follow the Fethiye-Antalya highway (in the direction of Kalkan/Kaş). Upon reaching the vicinity of Kınık (Xanthos), turn right at the Kumluova junction. A comfortable, flat, paved road winding through agricultural greenhouses will take you directly to the parking area at the entrance of the ancient city. Since it is only 4-5 km away from the ancient city of Xanthos, both can easily be visited on the same day.
-
Public Transportation: You can take the regular "Fethiye - Kınık" (or Kumluova/Ova) shuttle buses (dolmuş) that depart from the Fethiye Central Bus Terminal throughout the year. After getting off at the stop, it is a flat, easy 1–1.5 kilometer walk to the entrance of the site.

