Burdur
Renowned for its unspoilt landscapes and flora and fauna, the
Goller Bolgesi (Lake District) lies in a mountainous area 150 km north
of Antalya. Burdur is known throughout Turkey for its beautiful lakes as
well as its carpets and kilims. The city preserves excellent examples of
Ottoman domestic architecture, in particular the Tasoda, Kocaoda and
Misirlilar Konaks, or mansions. Dating back to the 17th century, both the
interior and exterior decorations reveal much of the Ottoman aesthetic. The
Burdur Archaeological Museum houses some very imponant artifacts from
around the region.
Burdur Lake, with nice beaches for swimming, is a superb location for
water sports. A climb to the top of Susamlik Hill gives you a panoramic
view over the city and lake. The Insuyu Cave 10 km south on the road to
Antalya is 597 meters long with nine distinct pools and chambers filled
with stalactites and stalagmites.
Golhisar
100 km southwest of Burdur, in Golhisar (Cibyra) are ruins, mostly
from Roman times, of an important ancient northern Lycian city with a
stadium, lower and upper agora, theater, necropolis and large aqueducts.
Also in the region, trapped in the mountains 1050 meters above sea
level, is beautiful Lake Salda, an ideal location for relaxation and
cooling off on the sandy beaches or in the lakeside cafes, hotels and
restaurants.
Sagalassos
Between Burdur and Isparta near the village of Aglasun is the
ancient site of Sagalassos, a Pisidian city with ruins from Roman times
including a monumental entrance gate, colonnaded street, agora, temple and
theater.
Isparta
Isparta, high in the Taurus Mountains, is a city of lakes with
lovely coastal areas overgrown in the spring and summer with an exuberance
of wild flowers. Within the city you should stop at the Ulu Mosque built in
the 1417 by the Seljuks. The Bedestan, or covered bazaar dates from 1561.
Firdevs Pasa Mosque was built in the 16th century by the great Ottoman
architect Sinan. Be sure to see the 14th century Isparta Castle.
Rose gardens
that produce rose oil for the cosmetic industry surround the city and fill it
with their sweet scent. Other souvenirs include a thickly piled Isparta
carpet. In the nearby hills, the districts of Kirazlidere and Sidre are
popular with visitors who want to relax and enjoy the view. South of
Isparta, Golcuk Lake, encircled by aromatic pine forests, rests at an
impressive 1405 meters above sea level.
Egridir
Egirdir, at the southern end
of Lake Egirdir, is set in idyllic natural surroundings. Among the man-made
monuments, Egirdir Castle built by the Lydian King Croesus reflects
additions and renovations of the Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks. The Seljuk
Kemerli Minare has felt the changes of a modern world; today it stands in
the middle of a road. In the lakeside restaurants you can sample white bass,
the local speciality.
A boardwalk connects the shore to Egirdir Island where
weavers erect their looms and work outside, of their houses.
On the western
side of the lake, up in the hills Barla's guest-houses provide a wonderful
opportunity for relaxation. Kovada National Park, 30 km south of Lake
Egirdir surrounds Kovada Lake, a pristine and cool mountain getaway.
Yalvac
Northeast of Isparta, Yalvac stands near the ancient city of Pisidian
Antioch. This area was visited by St. Paul and St. Barnabas in 46 A.D.
Among the ruins be sure to see St. Paul's Basilica, the aqueducts, Augustus Temple,
theater and public baths as you walk along the city's marble streets. The
Archaeological Museum in Yalvac itself displays several important regional
artifacts. Tourists will find not only leather clothing but many interesting
traditional souvenirs made of animal hide East of Yalvac, atop Karakuyu
Hill is the sanctuary of the Moon God, Men, and the view from there is
breathtaking. The giant ceder trees grow in Klzlldag National Park, south
of Yalvac amid some of Turkey's most splendid landscapes.
Renowned for its unspoilt landscapes and flora and fauna, the
Goller Bolgesi (Lake District) lies in a mountainous area 150 km north
of Antalya. Burdur is known throughout Turkey for its beautiful lakes as
well as its carpets and kilims. The city preserves excellent examples of
Ottoman domestic architecture, in particular the Tasoda, Kocaoda and
Misirlilar Konaks, or mansions. Dating back to the 17th century, both the
interior and exterior decorations reveal much of the Ottoman aesthetic. The
Burdur Archaeological Museum houses some very imponant artifacts from
around the region.