Tripology Travel Experts Blog

Visiting Mt. Nemrut

by Rachel_Paiste, 10/01/2009 14:10

Category: Trip Ideas

            Mt. Nemrut is the epitome of narcissism.  Erected by Antiochus in 62 BC on an already existing hill, the 7,052 foot tall mountain is one of Turkey’s most iconic sites.

           Antiochus, King of Commagene, had the mountain built to house his tomb.  The mountain itself is a hill of pebbles bookended by temples, one facing sunrise, the other sunset.  In the temples, seated stone figures of gods flank the sides of Antiochus.

           Sometimes referred to as Mt. Nimrod, all excavations to find the  king’s tomb have failed, causing cave-ins.  And so the man remains in stone and human form, surrounded by Roman gods Apollo and Fortuna, Greek gods Zeus and Heracles, a lion and an eagle.

           There are two ways to approach the mountain:  the easiest from the town Kahta or the longer trip from Urfa.  The two-hour trip from Kahta does not require you driving up the curving mountain roads, but if you want to enjoy the views (as well as a few extra sites on the way) charter a trip from Urfa.  There are a few groups that go, and most give you at least one meal on the all-day trip.  If you want to see the sunrise at Nemrut you must go from Kahta; sunset tours leave from both cities.

           Tripology travel agents can help you to decide which city is right for you to base yourself from on your upcoming trip to Mt. Nemrut.  Make sure to plan your visit between May and October, as weather conditions are harsh on the mountain and tours only go during the summer season.

 

Filed under:  Eastern Turkey, Trip Ideas, Kurdistan, Religious Tourism
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