Labranda- A hidden sanctuary to Zeus on the mountains

Located on the mountains of ancient region of Caria (today southwestern tip of Turkey, corresponding to modern province of Muğla), Labranda offers a very well preserved ancient Greek-Anatolian historic atmosphere and an extraordinary panoramic scenery. A sanctuary site dedicated to Greek main god Zeus, it consists of a great temple dedicated to him, artificial terraces upon which some housing and on-purpose structures were built and many more!

Its relatively intact buildings, tree groves (which include various fruit trees) and a very refreshing water spring will make your trip here a memorible experience!

BRIEF HISTORY AND FOUNDATION

As oldest finding in the site dates to 7th century BC, it is considered to be founded in this period by Carians, a native Anatolian people of the region which had close contact with ancient Greek world and adopted their pantheon (Gods). As a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, it had a religious importance for the area, was a center of festivals and sacrifices.

The area fought against Persian empire in 497 BC, and being defeated and conquered, became a satrapy (semi-autonomous province ruled mostly by a local leader) of Halicarnassus. The site today got most of its shape during the rule of Mausoleus (the builder of the Maosoloen, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world, which will be shown thoroughly in my Halicarnassus entry) and his bro Idrieus during early 4nd century BC. During a great fire around 1st century, it lost its importance , never to gain the same significance again.

DISCOVERING LABRANDA

As usual, i will show more general view of the site then i will switch to more specific structures. The descriptions under the photos tell about their purpose. Don’t forget to click on the pictures to have a bigger, more detailed look!

The initial view from entrance that welcomes you ! May not look much, but inner you go, more will show up ;). The area is heavily forested.

Andron and remains of a house with propylon (monumental entrance) on the forefront.

General view towards Andron A from behind the temple of Zeus. The middle part is what remains from once majestic temple (apparently a team is working to restore it as best as they can).

Andron A, which is the most intact structure in the site. An Andron is a housing that is only allowed for men, which serves also as area for “manly” entertainment. Built during the time of Idrieus (4th century BC)

Remains of a Doric building. Doric is a type of ancient Greek architecture distinct but also similar to other types of Greek world. It was also popular in the Roman world.

Entrance of the Doric building. It was built by Idrieus, brother of Mausoleos in 4th century BC. During Roman era after 1st century AD, it was used as part of a bath, then as a easter mass chamber by Byzantium.

Inside Doric building with a stele on right side of the picture, and Andron on the background

The stele in the Doric building with ancient Greek inscription. Sadly, i don’t have the translation.

Stairs going up to the upper area with temple and Androns

Ruins of Propylaea(monumental gate) with ancient basilica on the background

The Oikoi a.k.a. a house. Here used to live the priests who were performing in religious festivities and sacrifices. It is relatively intact and consists of several inscriptions dating to 3rd-4th century BC. Built during time of Idrieus.

The new, rightful owner Oikoi. All hail mr. Chameleon!
Inside the Oikoi

The famous rock of Zeus. According to legend, the fracture on top of the rock was caused by a lightning struck by Zeus, which made people of the area to build a sanctuary dedicated to him (and possibly thinking that Zeus was visiting area time to time).

Rock relief on the side of the rock.
Side view of the rock

View of the temple from below rock of Zeus with Andron A on the background. The temple was also built during the time of Idrieus.

Tomb of Idrieus next to the rock of Zeus, overlooking the whole site with panoramic view.
Front view of tomb, fairly intact structure.
Sarcophagus inside the tomb. I had to stay inside around 5 seconds because there were “strong” bee-hive sounds inside….

GEOGRAPHY & SCENERY

Although the ruins are quite interesting, the scenery within and around the site is just as much interesting and beautiful. As i said above, it is located in middle of a mountainous area, full of but not only olive trees, pine trees and so on..The site itself is covered with vegetation over hundreds of years. Scroll below for live proof!

The view of site and the scenery from the top of the rock. No, you won’t get struck by Zeus if you climb on it!

Below are the surroundings of Labranda from different angles, all taken from the rock hill. There are numerous, small mountain villages nearby with beekeeping and animal herding traditions.

Ancient spring-fountain of Labranda, which still works today! Its water is relatively cold and refreshing, waiting to be sipped..

A quince tree with ripe fruits, which drove me to pick and taste one of them: delicious and natural!

CURRENT STATUS and LAST REMARKS

Labranda is today in UNESCO Tentative list and is being excavated & researched by a Swedish-French-Turkish team ( http://www.labraunda.org ).

It is quite well preserved and with the coming restorations, it will even be more remarkable than it is today. A great Greco-Anatolian sanctuary site, it offers also a café and benches to sit & chill nearby (don’t forget not to throw trash and cigarettes on the area!). There are also a lot of bees in the area due to the beekeeping business on the villages nearby, so take notice.

TRAVEL ADVICES & PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION

Getting there: Labranda is located 14 kilometers north of town of Milas(ancient Mylasa), which deserves a visit itself on its own, (but we will come there later) 49 kilometers from the beach-resort town of Bodrum. Unfortunately, there is no public transport to area as of 2019, as it is located in middle of mountains. Car rental and for more adventurous people, hitchhiking is advised. !!BE CAUTIOUS!!: The road reaching there is a very curvy, mountain road, and is located nearby from a mine therefore there are a lot of big-truck traffic passing by frequently. Please be careful while driving.

I would suggest to combine a trip to Labranda with the town of Milas, which houses numerous ancient and medieval history inside (will have its own entry), with a lot of archeological museums. Another option for a longer trip is to add into the list the ancient town of Herakleia next to lake Bafa, which is located one hour drive away to north, and Iassos, again 1 hour to the west.

GALLERY

Below is the rest of the photos of the lovely sanctuary of Zeus in Labranda. Do not forget to comment & give feedbacks through ‘Contact us’ part !