The Ancient City of Letoon

Located near the Kumluova neighbourhood of Seydikemer in the middle of a fertile plain, Letoon is not just another ancient city; it was the spiritual centre and sacred precinct for the entire Lycian civilization. This enchanting site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is named after the Titan goddess Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis. According to mythology, Leto, pregnant by Zeus, took refuge here while fleeing the wrath of a jealous Hera and bathed her children in the spring waters of this land. This sacred story forms the very foundation of Letoon.

The most unique feature that sets Letoon apart is the trio of temples built side-by-side. The westernmost and largest one is dedicated to Leto, for whom the city is named. The smaller temple in the middle belongs to her daughter, Artemis, while the easternmost temple, notable for its mosaics, is dedicated to her son, Apollo. This triple-temple arrangement is a rarity in the ancient world and stands as a testament to the immense reverence the divine family commanded here. The sacred pool (Nymphaeum) and the monumental fountain in front of the temples, parts of which are still submerged, further deepen the site's mystical atmosphere.

A visit to Letoon in the spring, accompanied by a symphony of frogs, offers more than just historical ruins; it provides a spiritual experience where millennia-old myths, beliefs, and nature intertwine. The city's theatre and stoa (colonnaded gallery) indicate that this was not merely a centre for worship but also a vibrant hub for social and political gatherings.

Key Information:

• Location: Near Kumluova, Seydikemer. It is a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site with the ancient city of Xanthos.
  


• Highlight Feature: Three adjacent temples dedicated to the goddess Leto and her twin children, Apollo and Artemis.
  


• Must-Sees: The triple temple complex, the sacred spring and Nymphaeum, the Hellenistic-era theatre, and the area where the famous "Trilingual Stele" (with Lycian, Greek, and Aramaic inscriptions) was found.
  


• Tip: The best time to visit Letoon is in the spring when the water levels are high and nature is vibrant. It offers incredible opportunities for reflection photography. Also, to complete the story, make sure to visit Xanthos, the administrative capital of Lycia, which is just a few kilometres away, after your tour of Letoon.