Işıkkale

Hellenistic through early Byzantine agricultural settlement in the Taurus Mountains, 17 km from Silifke. The ancient name is unknown. Features include preserved Roman road fragments, polygonal masonry houses, cisterns, wine and olive oil presses. An extraordinarily well-preserved three-aisled basilica (30x25 m) with synthronon, templon, ambo, and baptisterium dates to the first half of the 6th century. A western necropolis contains numerous sarcophagi decorated with garlands, leaves, and pigeons, with Byzantine examples bearing cross symbols.