Mount Nemrut – A Royal Tomb Above the Clouds

At 2,134 meters (7,001 ft) elevation in southeastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut’s summit reveals one of antiquity’s most spectacular sites – the monumental tomb of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, surrounded by colossal god statues. This mystical place blends history with mythology, where sunrise and sunset create unforgettable celestial performances.

Journey to Mount Nemrut

The charming town of Kahta serves as the ideal base. From Cappadocia, you can reach it:

  • By overnight bus (full-day journey)
  • Via Kayseri (₺20 to Kayseri + ₺50 to Kahta)

Historical gem: Commagene was a small but wealthy Hellenistic kingdom emerging after Alexander the Great’s empire collapsed. King Antiochus I (69-34 BCE) created a unique Greco-Persian cultural fusion visible in the statues’ iconography.

Colossal god heads at Mount Nemrut's eastern terrace
The iconic toppled heads gazing eternally across Mount Nemrut’s summit

Summit Expedition Tips

Kahta offers accommodations from ₺70 for double rooms with breakfast. Local agencies organize tours for:

  • Sunset visits (more popular)
  • Sunrise ascents (for the hardy – temperatures drop to 5°C/41°F even in summer)

Tour highlights include:

  • Ancient column exploration
  • Roman bridge and road remnants
  • The final 700m climb on foot

Winter warning: November-April brings snow – in 2015, statues were buried up to their necks!

Secrets of the Royal Tomb

Identical god statues grace both eastern and western terraces:

  • Apollo (Mithras)
  • Fortuna (Tyche)
  • Zeus (Oromasdes)
  • King Antiochus I
  • Hercules (Artagnes)

Lion and eagle sculptures symbolizing royal power flank the deities. Earthquakes toppled the heads, creating a surreal landscape where they now rest at the statues’ feet.

Archaeological marvel: Despite 2000 years of extreme conditions (-25°C/-13°F to +40°C/104°F), the heads remain remarkably preserved thanks to a unique local sandstone.

Kahta – Southeastern Turkey’s Hidden Gem

Save time to explore Kahta itself – an authentic Turkish town untouched by mass tourism. Sample local specialties like “çiğ köfte” (spicy bulgur balls) and admire the mountain vistas.

Mount Nemrut transcends archaeology – it’s a spiritual journey where you’ll stand face-to-face with gods and kings from two millennia past.