Something niggled at me to stay on the ship, when we first arrived in Antalya, Turkey. Hubby was not deterred by the planned excursion, so off he went. My last words to him, whenever he sets off alone is, “don’t forget I need some door photos! Did you hear that? I NEED door photos! Not, be careful or have a good time, but I NEED door photos. Shows you how devoted we have become to Thursday Doors! Today, hubby is visiting the Unesco World Heritage Site at the Ancient City of Termessos. If you would like to re-discover your inner Indiana Jones, this is the excursion for you! The bus took them further and further away from the port and higher and higher into the mountains. Here is the road up! As you can see, it is not too busy!

Finally, they turned off the main road, unto a much smaller road at the gated entrance into the park. Paying 91 cents each, they entered the park.

They also took a turn looking at the Termessos map. Number 1 on the map is the entrance and then you must drive a while longer, going higher and higher, to reach the parking lot. Some folks start their adventure here and walk all the way to the parking lot to take in the scenery, flora and fauna. Good for them.  Considering this group’s average age is in their mid-seventies, the walking did not start here!

Finally reached the parking lot……don’t have to be worried about being crowded out!

And, here is the first Doorway. The building is long gone. Who lived here, when and why? The people were known as the Solims, and lived a long time in this region and were known for their fighting. The ancient city was very developed with city walls, towers, a King’s Road, Hadrien’s Gate, Gymnasium Agora, theatre, and a complete cistern and drainage system from the Roman Period and richly decorated tombs from the Hellenistic Period. They enjoyed the good life while the other people in the region fought each other. They were so high up and so well protected, by the terrain, not too many folks took them on. Alexander the Great tried it and failed, and was so mad, he went to the next region and annihilated them!

Once the bus was parked, the guests were introduced to their guide for the day, a young man in big hiking boots. This made everyone a little nervous, especially when he told them they would be climbing much higher up the mountain (Mount Güllük)  and the trail was  a little rough……….that proclamation scattered everyone to the restrooms.

The hardy decided to go ahead and give it a try ……..

When the trail turned to this, some of the hardy turned back.

They came to the first city gate…………

The scenery was gorgeous, but you also had to watch your step!

The next Doorway was at the internal gate.

Now, the hiking became a little trickier.

But, you could look up and see the beginning of the main part of the city, at least.

Hiking higher to the Baths and Gym……..this was the old main road.

Getting closer to the Theatre too.

To find the Doorways to the Gym

Ah, there is still a Door in the Library!

As well as in this building! Progress, however slight!

Here, a Doorway above some Doorways……….

and some more over here!

With some entries covered in ivy…………….

This really is a magical place and definitely off the beaten path……I doubt if there are too many visitors a year, although they claim over 10,000 people a year come here. However, the group needs a break before they take another turn to higher up the mountain to the amphitheater. We’ll start there next time! Cady

PS When hubby returned to the ship he had a few choice words for me. #1, You never would have made it. #2, Best 91 cents I ever spent. #3, I have some DOORS for you! What a guy!

PSS  Follow our leader, Dan, at No Facilities, to see doors from all over the world, or to add your doors, look HERE!

PS Here is the new 2023 Thursday Doors LOGO! Great work Teresa!