Clearly visible in the rock faces that overlook Fethiye centre are the breathtaking Lycian Rock Tombs. These ornate temple style resting places have been hand carved into the rock as the final resting place for the dignitaries of the local Lycian society.

Dating back to the 4th Century BC, and let's just dwell on that for a moment - dating back over two thousand five hundred years - the rock tombs were carved as the resting place for recently departed luminaries. Why in the cliffside? Well the Lycians believed that their good and great were taken to the glorious next life by mythical winged creatures and where possible locations high above their  settlements were chosen. Highly intricate tombs were carved with beautiful reliefs, the largest and best known in the Fethiye rock tombs being the imposing and dominating Tomb of Amyntas. It is thought that Amyntas was once the governer or possibly ruler of Telmessos (now Fethiye) but in no doubt is the fact that he was a  most important Lycian. Not all rock tombs were so intricate or impressive, some are little more than a large rectangular viod cut into the cliff. These are not necessarily less important, quite often they are simply older examples. It is however likely that the Lycians that were laid to rest in them were also very important locally - just not quite on the same scale as Amyntas perhaps.

Internally, there was more emphasis on practical than ornate. The large, impressive tombs with their Ionic pillars were not too different internally in many cases to their less externally embellished neighbours - simple rock monoliths to rest the departing on, and for gold, treasures and other gifts to be taken over to the next life. Over two thousand years later, it is no surprise that there are no such riches to be found in any of the tombs - all long since looted.

Fethiye Rock Tombs are easy to reach on foot from the centre of Fethiye town, although having reached the base below them the walk up to them requires a little bit of effort, especially in the daytime heat of summer.

Tips: Be aware of "so-called" local guides who approach you when you arrive at the tombs - they can offer free guiding but can get aggressive for a "tip" afterwards. They tell you very little and much of it is obvious or dubious. There really isn't any need for a guide so a firm "no thank you" from the off, repeated as necessary will suffice. For lunch, or a well deserved Efes after your visit, Kings Garden Restaurant at the foot of the tombs comes highly recommended locally and is very reasonable, especially for a restaurant so conveniently located next to such a popular destination - and with great views across Fethiye and the bay.