Delikkemer Aqueduct - Image 1
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Delikkemer Aqueduct

4.8
·86 reviews·, Türkiye

An ancient Roman aqueduct, a marvel of engineering supplying water to Patara, offering a glimpse into history and scenic walks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
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Delikkemer Aqueduct - Image 1

Delikkemer Aqueduct

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient Roman aqueduct, a marvel of engineering supplying water to Patara, offering a glimpse into history and scenic walks.

4.8
(86 reviews)

"Amazing aqueduct, a hard find but worth the effort for history and the nearby beach!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Finding the Spot

Take a small road off D400 before the hill to Kalkan. Park roadside & find the path.

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for exploring safely.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Roman Aqueduct

The Roman Aqueduct

Main structure

An ancient marvel of engineering, this Roman aqueduct supplied water to Patara. Its unique 'holes' are a testament to advanced hydraulic design.

Lycian Way Trail

Lycian Way Trail

Surrounding area

Walk a section of this ancient trail, which offers stunning views and connects to the ancient city of Patara.

Nearby Beach Access

Nearby Beach Access

Short walk from aqueduct

A pleasant, relatively short walk leads to a beautiful beach, perfect for a relaxing end to your historical exploration.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Delikkemer

Finding Delikkemer requires a bit of navigation off the main D400 road. Look for a smaller turn-off before the road ascends towards Kalkan. Parking is available roadside, and the aqueduct is accessible via a path, often part of the Lycian Way. Be mindful of the terrain and wear appropriate footwear for exploring this historical marvel.

Historical Significance & Safety

Delikkemer is a fascinating example of ancient Roman engineering, designed to supply water to Patara. While impressive, climbing on the aqueduct itself can be dangerous due to steep drops. Admire its structure from a safe distance and appreciate the ingenuity of its construction. The nearby beach offers a rewarding destination after your exploration.

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

DELİKKEMER- TARİHİ PATARA SU KEMERİ Delikkemer, Patara’ya su taşımak için inşa edilmiş su kanalının en dikkat çekici bölümüdür. Helenistik dönemde yapıldığı tahmin edilen ve Roma İmparatorluğu döneminde Patara Antik Kenti’nin su ihtiyacını karşılamış olan kemer ters sifon yöntemiyle çalışmıştur. Yaklaşık 22 kilometrelik bu kanalın kalıntıları günümüzde Pınarönü Mevkii’nde görülebilir. Kemer, L...
antikdunyalar
2.4K likes • 79.1K views

🚗 Finding the Spot

Take a small road off D400 before the hill to Kalkan. Park roadside & find the path. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for exploring safely. Reddit

Repost from @antikdunyalar • DELİKKEMER- TARİHİ PATARA SU KEMERİ Delikkemer, Patara’ya su taşımak için inşa edilmiş su kanalının en dikkat çekici bölümüdür. Helenistik dönemde yapıldığı tahmin edilen ve Roma İmparatorluğu döneminde Patara Antik Kenti’nin su ihtiyacını karşılamış olan kemer ters sifon yöntemiyle çalışmıştur. Yaklaşık 22 kilometrelik bu kanalın kalıntıları günümüzde Pınarönü Mev...
havva.iskan
301 likes • 5.1K views
Repost from @sanatvearkeoloji Patara Antik Kenti’ne su taşıyan Delikkemer, Likya mühendisliğinin en ilginç örneklerinden biri. Yaklaşık 20 kilometre uzaklıktaki kaynaklardan kente su getiren bu sistem, günümüzde hâlâ şaşkınlık uyandırıyor. Adını, taş bloklarının ortasındaki “deliklerden” alıyor. Bu delikler, suyun basıncını ayarlamak ve hattı güvenli kılmak için yapılmıştı. Roma döneminin dâhiyan...
havva.iskan
177 likes • 3.2K views

⚠️ Safety First!

Climbing on the aqueduct is dangerous. Admire from a safe distance. Reddit

💧 Ancient Water System

Marvel at the 'holes' designed for pressure regulation. Truly impressive engineering! Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Finding the Spot

Take a small road off D400 before the hill to Kalkan. Park roadside & find the path. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for exploring safely. Reddit

⚠️ Safety First!

Climbing on the aqueduct is dangerous. Admire from a safe distance. Reddit

💧 Ancient Water System

Marvel at the 'holes' designed for pressure regulation. Truly impressive engineering! Instagram

🏖️ Beach Reward

A lovely beach is a short, easy walk away – perfect for a post-visit dip. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(86 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Delikkemer Aqueduct for its impressive Roman engineering and historical significance. Many highlight the easy access to a beautiful nearby beach and its location along the Lycian Way as major draws. While the aqueduct itself is a marvel, some caution is advised regarding climbing on the structure due to safety concerns.

"Nice aqueduct!

For me it was also important, that it was quite short and a relatively simple path to a nice beach nearby.

It is about 1.3 km, my 60yo parents made it without any problems.

We enjoyed a very short part of the licyan way and the wonderful beach.

There was also a parking spot nearby"

Stanislav Andreev

"This place is amazing I my opinion. It’s a hard find. Take a smaller road off the D400 just before it turns left up the hill (as you go towards Kalkan). You can see the aquaduct from the road after a few twisty bends. Park at side of road and walk up after finding the path. It’s actually part of the Lycian way. You can climb up onto the top but it’s a very dangerous drop if you slipped. Take care. I can’t even imagine how this aquaduct was built. It’s was supposed to supply water to ancient Patara city."

Chris Macgregor

"beautiful aqueduct and history site, looks like a mini size of great wall."

luvfeelin 乐飞翎 (乐飞翎)

What People Like

Impressive Roman engineering
Easy beach access
Lycian Way location

What People Dislike

Safety concerns climbing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To reach Delikkemer Aqueduct, take a smaller road off the D400 highway just before it turns uphill towards Kalkan. You can park on the side of the road and then follow the path, which is part of the Lycian Way. Reddit

It can be a bit tricky to find, but look for the turn-off from the D400. The aqueduct becomes visible after a few bends once you're on the smaller road. Reddit

Many visitors park roadside and walk up to the aqueduct via the Lycian Way path. This offers a scenic approach and allows you to appreciate the surrounding landscape. Reddit

Yes, there is roadside parking available near the start of the path leading to the aqueduct. Reddit

Absolutely! Delikkemer is situated along the Lycian Way, and some trails lead from here down to the ancient city of Patara, offering a historical and scenic journey. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Delikkemer Aqueduct is generally accessible without an entrance fee, as it's an open historical site. However, always check for any local advisories or changes. Reddit

As an outdoor historical site, Delikkemer doesn't have strict opening hours. It's best visited during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Reddit

Typically, there is no admission fee to visit Delikkemer Aqueduct. It's a freely accessible historical landmark. Reddit

While official tours might not be common, many local guides or tour operators include Delikkemer as part of broader Lycian region tours. You can also explore independently. Reddit

Delikkemer is a separate historical site and not typically included in the entrance ticket for Patara Ancient City, though they are geographically linked. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the impressive Roman aqueduct itself, a testament to ancient engineering. You can also explore the surrounding area, which is part of the Lycian Way, and enjoy views towards the sea. InstagramReddit

A visit to Delikkemer can be quite short, perhaps 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you explore the surrounding paths and enjoy the views. Reddit

The path to the aqueduct is manageable, and parents of young children can make it without major issues. However, caution is advised around the aqueduct structure itself due to potential drop-offs. Reddit

Capture the scale of the aqueduct from different angles. The surrounding landscape also offers beautiful photographic opportunities, especially with the sea in the distance. Instagram

While tempting, climbing on the aqueduct is strongly discouraged due to safety concerns and the risk of serious injury from steep drops. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for photographing the aqueduct and its surroundings. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full scale of the aqueduct. A standard zoom lens will also be useful for details and landscape shots. Instagram

Try shooting from the base of the aqueduct to emphasize its height, and from further back to show its integration with the landscape. The 'holes' in the structure are also a unique photographic element. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

The combination of ancient Roman architecture, the rugged natural landscape, and the historical significance makes Delikkemer a very photogenic site. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Delikkemer Aqueduct offers a unique historical adventure for families. The walk to the aqueduct is relatively short and manageable, making it suitable for most children. Parents can point out the ancient structures and explain how water was transported centuries ago, sparking young imaginations. Reddit While the aqueduct itself requires caution due to drop-offs, the surrounding paths are generally safe for exploration. The nearby beach provides a fantastic reward for kids after exploring the historical site, offering a chance to play and swim. Reddit

Tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Wear comfortable walking shoes for everyone. Consider visiting in the cooler parts of the day to ensure children are comfortable. The educational aspect of seeing such an ancient feat of engineering can be a memorable experience for kids.

🚶 Hikers and History Buffs

For hikers and history enthusiasts, Delikkemer is a must-visit. Its location on the Lycian Way makes it an ideal stop on a longer trek or a destination for a dedicated day hike. The aqueduct itself is a fascinating piece of Roman engineering, offering a tangible connection to the past. Reddit You can spend time examining the construction, imagining the flow of water, and appreciating the ingenuity of its design. Instagram

Combine your visit with a hike down to Patara Ancient City for a comprehensive historical experience. The trail offers beautiful scenery and a sense of journeying through time. Remember to wear appropriate hiking gear, carry sufficient water, and be prepared for varying terrain. The historical context and the physical exploration make Delikkemer a deeply rewarding destination for those who appreciate ancient civilizations and the great outdoors.

📸 Photographers

Delikkemer Aqueduct presents a compelling subject for photographers, blending ancient architecture with natural beauty. The unique 'holes' in the structure, the scale of the Roman engineering, and the surrounding Mediterranean landscape offer diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram+1 Best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and dramatic, casting interesting shadows. Instagram

Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the grandeur of the aqueduct and its integration with the environment. Detail shots of the stonework and the 'holes' can also be very effective. Consider incorporating the Lycian Way path into your shots to add a sense of scale and journey. The nearby beach also provides a contrasting, serene element for your portfolio.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel of Delikkemer

Delikkemer, meaning 'pierced kemer' or 'holed arch,' is a remarkable testament to Roman hydraulic engineering. Constructed to supply water to the ancient city of Patara, this aqueduct system stretched for approximately 20-22 kilometers from its source. The most striking feature of Delikkemer is its unique design, which utilized a 'reverse siphon' or 'inverted siphon' principle to transport water across challenging terrain. This involved using pressurized pipes, often made of lead or stone channels, to carry water uphill and then down again, a sophisticated method for its time. TikTokInstagram

The 'holes' mentioned in its name are actually openings in the stone blocks that formed part of the pressurized conduit. These were crucial for regulating water pressure and ensuring the system's stability and safety. The sheer scale and ingenuity involved in building such a long-distance water supply system without modern machinery are awe-inspiring. Visitors often marvel at how such a structure was conceived and executed centuries ago, highlighting the advanced knowledge of Roman engineers. Reddit

While the entire 22km system is not intact, the visible sections of Delikkemer offer a tangible connection to this ancient infrastructure. It's a site that sparks curiosity about the daily lives of those who relied on this water and the advanced civilization that built it. The aqueduct's presence also underscores the importance of Patara as a significant ancient city in the region. Instagram

Exploring the Lycian Way and Nearby Attractions

Delikkemer Aqueduct is conveniently located along the famous Lycian Way, one of the world's most beautiful long-distance hiking trails. This offers visitors the opportunity to combine their exploration of the aqueduct with a scenic walk through the Mediterranean landscape. The trail itself is well-marked in sections and provides stunning views of the coastline and surrounding hills. Reddit

Many travelers use Delikkemer as a starting point or a stop on a longer Lycian Way trek. A particularly rewarding walk from the aqueduct leads down to the ancient city of Patara. This descent mimics historical migration patterns and offers a gradual immersion into the region's rich history. Patara itself is a significant archaeological site, boasting a well-preserved theater, ancient parliament building, and a famous sandy beach. Reddit

Beyond the historical sites, the proximity to a beautiful beach is a major draw. After exploring the aqueduct and ancient ruins, visitors can easily reach a lovely stretch of sand for swimming and relaxation. This makes Delikkemer a perfect destination for a day trip that combines history, nature, and leisure. Reddit

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