descriptionDescription

Kayaköy, an abandoned Greek village near Fethiye, is a historical site notable for its stone houses and churches.

auto_storiesStory

Kayaköy is a village located approximately 8 kilometers south of Fethiye, inhabited by Greeks before the 1923 Turkey-Greece Population Exchange. This region, known as Karmylassos in ancient times, was one of the important settlements of the Lycian Civilization. The village consists of approximately 350-400 stone houses built on the slopes. Most of these houses have been largely preserved to this day because they were abandoned after the exchange, although most of their roofs have collapsed. The village also contains two large churches (known as the Upper Church and the Lower Church), a chapel, and various school buildings. Some of the church frescoes are still visible. Kayaköy was a very lively settlement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Due to the emigration of the Greek population to Greece with the exchange and the inability of the Turkish population who replaced them to adapt to the area, the village was gradually abandoned and began to be referred to as the 'Ghost Village'. It is also believed that earthquakes in the region contributed to the abandonment of the village. Today, Kayaköy serves as an open-air museum, offering visitors a historical journey. Wandering through the streets of the village, one can trace the footsteps of the past and the sense of abandonment...

tips_and_updatesVisit Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes when visiting Kayaköy, as the village has uneven terrain.
• Especially during summer months, remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
• Show respect for the historic houses and churches while walking around the village; do not damage the walls.
• It's a great place for photography, but be careful not to enter private property.
• You can set aside extra time to explore the hiking trails around the village.