The Legend of Mount Chimera: Fire Defying Time
Greek mythology is filled with tales of gods and mythical creatures. When the ancient writer Palaephatus tried to debunk some myths in his book On Unbelievable Tales, he found himself unable to explain the legend of Mount Chimera. He wrote, "There is a gap in the earth from which fire emerges. This mountain is called Chimera," referring to a true phenomenon he couldn't dismiss as mere myth.
This unique phenomenon does occur at Yanartaş, where flames continuously rise from gaps in the earth due to methane gas escaping and igniting on the surface. The rocks at the site are rich in minerals that help sustain this combustion, creating a mesmerizing scene where nature and myth intertwine.
Olympos Beydağları National Park: A Blend of Nature and Legend
The Yanartaş site is within Olympos Beydağları National Park, an area combining natural beauty and historical heritage. The park features varied landscapes, from rocky peaks to turquoise beaches and secluded bays. But its most notable attraction remains Yanartaş, where visitors can witness the eternal flames that have burned for thousands of years.
Tips for Visiting Yanartaş: When and Where?
Visiting Yanartaş is ideal in spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the scene is most enchanting in the evening as flames glow in the quiet of nature, accompanied by the sound of cicadas. Reaching the site requires a 30-minute hike along a stone-covered path surrounded by beautiful scenery.
The Chimera Legend: A Three-Headed Monster and a Hero on a Winged Horse
The flames of Yanartaş are tied to the legend of the three-headed Chimera monster, which the poet Hesiod described as having a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a dragon’s tail. According to legend, the monster spewed fire, terrorizing the people of Lycia, until the Greek hero Bellerophon, riding his winged horse Pegasus, defeated it. Some believe that Chimera might have been a mountain rather than a creature and that the continuous flames at Yanartaş were the basis for the legend.
Ancient City of Olympos: A Glimpse into Lycian Civilization
While visiting Olympos Beydağları National Park, one cannot ignore the ancient city of Olympos, one of Turkey's most significant archaeological sites. Founded in the 3rd century BCE, Olympos was a powerful maritime center in Lycian civilization. The city holds remarkable ruins, including a theater, church, baths, and tombs, representing the region’s social and cultural life in ancient times.
Panoramic Views and Adventure Experience: Mount Tahtalı Cable Car
To complete the visit, tourists can take the Olympos Cable Car to the summit of Mount Tahtalı, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and mountains in an awe-inspiring experience. The site also offers paragliding for adventure lovers, allowing them to soar above and admire the stunning landscapes from a high altitude.
A Unique Destination for Adventure and History Lovers
The Yanartaş area, ancient city of Olympos, and Olympos Beydağları National Park form a unique destination that blends nature, mythology, and history. From the eternal flames to ancient ruins, and from spectacular natural scenes to legends of monsters and heroes, this region offers an exceptional opportunity to reflect and connect with a magical part of ancient heritage, where the flames continue to burn, telling stories that never end.