Kanlıdivane Ancient City – Mersin: Echoes of Sacrifice in the Cilician Sky

Tucked away on the rugged limestone cliffs of Mersin’s Erdemli district lies the hauntingly beautiful Kanlıdivane Ancient City, one of the most enigmatic archaeological sites in southern Türkiye. With its dramatic setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and a name that translates to “Bloody Mad,” this site is steeped in ancient history, local legend, and breathtaking silence.

A Sacred Sinkhole with a Bloody Past

Kanlıdivane dates back to the Olba Kingdom, a theocratic state that flourished during the Hellenistic period in Cilicia. The city later came under Roman and then Byzantine rule. Its most iconic feature is the massive sinkhole, around 130 meters in diameter and 60 meters deep, which dominates the landscape. Known in ancient times as “Canytelis,” the site’s eerie name “Kanlıdivane” is believed to originate from either the reddish hue of the surrounding soil—resembling blood—or from grim stories of prisoners being thrown into the pit during Roman times as punishment.

Surrounding this sinkhole are the evocative remains of necropolis tombs, basilicas, cisterns, tower structures, and monumental inscriptions. One of the most prominent structures is the Mausoleum of Queen Aba, an important figure from the Olba era, whose memory lives on in a well-preserved dedication carved into stone. The site also features Christian basilicas from the Byzantine period, which indicates that Kanlıdivane continued to be a significant spiritual center into the early Middle Ages.

Architectural Highlights

• Basilicas and Churches: The two large basilicas flanking the sinkhole showcase classic Byzantine architectural elements and were likely used as pilgrimage sites.

• Necropolis: Tomb chambers line the rocky outskirts, where noble families were interred with ornate inscriptions and relief carvings.

• Observation Tower (Mabed Tower): This square tower likely served as a watch or ceremonial tower and offers sweeping views of the surrounding region.

• Rock Carvings: Reliefs depicting Roman and local elites still adorn the entrances of burial sites, a testament to the artistry of the period.

A Timeless Narrative

According to local lore, Kanlıdivane was once a city of rulers obsessed with divine justice and religious rituals. One tale suggests that criminals or heretics were cast into the sinkhole as a public warning. Whether myth or memory, the story adds a layer of solemnity to every step you take here. As the Mediterranean breeze rustles the wild thyme and sage growing from between the stones, it feels as though the whispers of the past still linger.

Today, Kanlıdivane is more than just a historical site—it’s also a cultural stage. The Mersin International Music Festival occasionally hosts concerts on a platform near the sinkhole, allowing visitors to experience ancient acoustics against the setting sun and shimmering sea.

How to Get There

Kanlıdivane is located about 55 kilometers west of Mersin city center and 12 kilometers from the coastal town of Kızkalesi. You can easily reach it by car via the D400 highway. Public minibuses run frequently between Mersin and Kızkalesi, from where you can take a taxi or a local tour to the site.

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Kanlıdivane are April through June and September through November, when the Mediterranean climate is pleasantly mild. Summer months can be hot, but the dry breeze and sea views help ease the heat. Sunsets here are particularly mesmerizing, making late afternoon visits especially magical.