Andriake ancient harbor revitalized through the ‘heritage for the future project’
Located in the Demre district of Antalya, the harbor district of Myra Ancient City, Andriake, is one of the most important ancient cities of Lycia. Myra, a major metropolis from the classical period to the Roman era and into the Byzantine Christian period, is famous for its rock tombs, a 11,000-seat Roman theater, baths, and the Church of Saint Nicholas. Andriake, the harbor district, was known as one of the busiest and most magnificent harbors in the Mediterranean.
Since 2009, ongoing excavation work has uncovered many significant structures at Andriake Harbor, including the granarium (grain warehouse), agora, baths, churches, synagogue, shipyards, and the monuments of Tiberius Square. The Heritage for the Future Project aims to reveal one of the best examples of harbor urbanism through excavation, conservation, and environmental planning. The project particularly focuses on restoring the buildings around the granarium and uncovering structures that have not yet been preserved.
Restoring the Historical Atmosphere of the Harbor
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Çevik, head of the Myra-Andriake Excavations and professor at Akdeniz University’s Department of Archaeology, emphasizes that excavations at the site have been ongoing for 15 years, continuing year-round. He highlights that Andriake was one of the most important harbors of the ancient Mediterranean. Dr. Çevik notes that the excavation of one of the harbor’s key areas, the customs zone, will also be completed as part of the Heritage for the Future Project. Through this project, all remaining unexcavated and unrestored sections of Andriake will be revealed and preserved. The project will also rehabilitate the marshy area in front of the harbor, creating a broad visitor route. A wooden bridge is also planned to allow visitors to cross to the other side of the harbor.
This project aims to better convey the concept of harbor urbanism and daily life in the Roman era to visitors. Dr. Çevik estimates that the project will be completed within 4-5 years, during which time the restoration of all structures in the harbor center will turn Andriake into a major attraction.
Myra Ancient Theater Restoration
One of the other projects underway in Myra Ancient City is the restoration of the 11,000-seat ancient theater. As one of the best-preserved theaters in the region, the theater’s stage building will be largely reconstructed using original materials. Plans include raising the stage building up to the first floor and continuing excavations and conservation work around the theater. This restoration project is also expected to be completed within 4-5 years.
Prof. Dr. Çevik emphasizes that these projects will not only establish Myra and Andriake as major tourist attractions but also reveal them as crucial cultural heritage sites at the heart of ancient Lycia.
