LABRANDA ANCIENT CITY
LABRANDA ANCIENT CITY
Labranda Ancient City, which makes you feel like you are walking through the pages of history with its magnificent view, is located in Milas, formerly Mylasa, in Muğla. It is possible to come across different writing styles in different sources such as Labranda, Labraunda, Lambraunda. The name Labranda comes from ‘Labrys’ meaning double-edged ax.
Although it is one of the oldest settlements, this city existed as a holy pilgrimage center during its time. In the 4th century, the most famous and favorite holy place was Labranda. Many visitors from the surrounding villages would come here to worship and then return to their villages. This is because there is no settled people in Labranda.
While Labranda was being built, inscriptions were written on each structure. These artifacts, which shed light on the present day, are preserved in Bodrum Museum and Milas Museum.
WHERE IS THE ANCIENT CITY OF LABRANDA? HOW TO GO?
The ancient city in Kargicak Village is 16 km from Milas. Minibuses departing from Milas are used for transportation. If you want to go with your private car, the signs showing the ancient city from Milas will easily reach you to the destination point. The closest airport to the ancient city is in Milas.
For those who love culture and history trips, the ancient cities in Muğla offer an extremely enjoyable experience. If you happen to be here, you should definitely visit Euromos Ancient City.
HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT CITY OF LABRANDA
It is thought that the ancient city was founded in the 6th century BC. Carians living here hosted a festival that lasted for five days every year. The purpose of this festival was to express their gratitude to the god Zeus and to dedicate a sacrifice to him. This festival, which has become a ritual, was loved by the people and people from neighboring villages. Wine was drunk accompanied by musical instruments, sports competitions were held, animals to be sacrificed to the gods were slaughtered and some of them were offered to the guests.
The ancient city, which had a small area when it was first established, has grown into a sacred place thanks to the brothers Mausollos and Idreieus. A long stone road called the ‘Holy Way’ was built from Mylasa. If you ask why Labranda is thought to be sacred, heavy rain from time to time can be seen in this city, which is located on a high place and the breaking of large rocks into pieces by a lightning strike made people think that this could only be done by a mighty sky god. This idea was finalized with the splitting of the big rock, revealing a stream under it.
According to the rumor, the Carians did not like King Mausolus very much. Sources suggest the Labranda temple he had built as the reason for this. Labranda, which was difficult and costly to build, was making the public uneasy. For this reason, Mausolus was assassinated, but the king survived. Upon the death of Mausolus before he could see the other structures he had planned, his brother Idreieus took his place and had the temple completed.
VISITING HOURS:
There is no need to pay any fee to enter the Labranda Ancient City.
The ancient city is open to visitors between 08.00-19.00 in the summer season (between April and October), and between 08.00-17.00 in the winter season. It is visited every day of the week. Exceptional cases are reported by the Ministry of Culture.
