Tlos is one of the oldest Lycian cities. It is mentioned in the Hittite chronicle of the 14th century. BC. After the collapse of the Hittite Empire, Tlos became one of the six largest cities in Lycia, and later became part of the Roman Empire. During Byzantine times, Tlos was an episcopal center. It rises on top of a steep stone cliff above the Xanthos valley, near the village of Asarkale.
Entrance to the territory of the ruins through the northeastern city gates. A rocky path leads to the right to a necropolis with several stone sarcophagi and majestic Lycian tombs carved into the rock. Down at the base of the hill there is another group of stone tombs. Among them is the tomb of Bellerophon. Apparently, it was the family tomb of one of the royal dynasties of Tlos, descended from an ancient mythical hero. The facade of the tomb is made in the style of a temple with three doors decorated with stone carvings. Bellerophon is carved on the left wall, sitting astride a winged Pegasus, and on the right - a lion guarding the tomb. Unfortunately, both figures, and especially the lion's head, have been badly damaged by vandalism.
The castle, from which only dilapidated walls remained, was built on the top of a rocky cliff already during the time of Turkish rule. From the top there is a breathtaking view of the snowy peak of Akdag (3024 m) and the valley of Xanth extending below.
At the base of the hill there are traces of the seats of the stadium, and on the other side of the plot, which used to be the city agora, stretches a long building decorated with arches. A path leads from it to a bathhouse with seven windows (Yedi Kapi), from which a wonderful view of the valley opens. To the east of the path to the bath, the ruins of a Byzantine basilica are visible.
The theater (II BC) is located 300 m higher up the slope. It can be reached by an asphalt road along the stream bed. The stage is a jumble of stones, and the 34 rows of seats are perfectly preserved. From them, viewers have a view of the ruins of the acropolis, with snow-capped peaks rising behind them.