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Anamur's Hidden Gems: Castles, Caves, and Ancient Shores

Aynalıgöl Cave

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In Aynalıgöl Cave (Aynalıgöl Mağarası), which takes its name from the lake that reflects like a mirror inside, there are stalagmites and stalactites dating back from the Ice Age. One of the most beautiful caves of Türkiye, Aynalıgöl is a wonder of nature with a breath-taking view. The depth of the lake inside the cave reaches up to 47 metres and the most striking feature of the lake is that the stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave continue in the lake. The 555-metre-long cave, which was formed in a period of 30 million years, is quite impressive. Aynalıgöl also attracts diving lovers with its yearlong temperature of 20-21°C.

Anemurium Ancient Site

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Anemurium Ruins, located in Mersin Province, was a major economic and political center of Cilicia during the Roman period. The first significant settlement in Anemurium began in the Hellenistic period. Anemurium thrived under Roman rule, experiencing significant development in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, including the construction of theatres, basilicas, baths, and aqueducts.

Mamure Castle

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Mamure Castle, located in Bozdoğan village near Anamur on the Mediterranean coast, is one of the most intact Turkish castles in the region. Initially built on ancient foundations, its origins are uncertain, but it was expanded during the Roman period to protect trade routes and merchant ships. The castle grew further during the Eastern Roman and Crusader periods. In 1228, Seljuk Emperor Alaeddin Keykubat conquered it. After changing hands, Karamanoglu Sultan Ibrahim rebuilt it in 1450, naming it Mamure Castle. The castle features 39 towers, water cisterns, a mosque, and a bathhouse, with its walls surrounded by a 10-meter-wide defensive moat. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Anamur Museum

Archaeological excavations in Anamurium, starting in 1960, contributed to the creation of the Anamur Museum, which officially opened in 1992. The museum is divided into two sections: archaeological and ethnographic. The archaeological hall features artifacts from Anamurium and nearby regions. Displays include tombs, floor mosaics, funerary objects, terracotta lamps, and a notable bronze counterpoise of Athena. Amphorae on display highlight the region's ancient maritime trade. The ethnographic section showcases traditional arts and crafts, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the area.