ANDRIAKE ANCIENT CITY

Andriake Ancient City
Andriake Ancient City

Located almost 3 kilometres away from Demre is the ancient city of Andriake. Once Ancient Myra’s port this ancient city was built close to the Androkos River. Its importance was vital to the whole Roman world because it was the sight of Hadrian’s Granary. This great granary, built between 119-139 AD, it’s structure is similar to Patara’s. Rome relied on its suppliers to replenish the empire. The ruins of the ancient city are sprawled both and south of the access road with the remains of the granary south of today’s river. On the main central gate of the granary, one can see the busts of Hadrian and his empress Sabina. There is also another decorative relief on the front wall with two deities etched one with a snake and a gryphon while the other lying on a couch. Recently an ancient synagogue was discovered, possibly dating back about 1800 years. It might have been the first synagogue in Ancient Lycia.

Most of the land is marshland so during rainy weather it might be more difficult to walk. Andriake can be reached from Demre and is a picturesque and quiet place to spend time pondering its history. Should you want to investigate more historic spots of Ancient Lycia make your way to Myra Ancient City, Finike and St. Nicholas Church.