Kızılkoyun Necropolis
Explore ancient Roman rock-cut tombs, a free and accessible necropolis in the heart of Şanlıurfa, offering a glimpse into historical burial practices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, illuminated caves
Kızılkoyun Necropolis
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, illuminated caves
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Roman rock-cut tombs, a free and accessible necropolis in the heart of Şanlıurfa, offering a glimpse into historical burial practices.
"An easily accessible archeological site right in the centre of all attractions in Şanlıurfa. "
🚶♀️ Roam Freely
Entry is free and you can explore many areas without staff. Enjoy the freedom to discover at your own pace!
🔦 Evening Illumination
The caves are illuminated in the evening, creating a unique atmosphere for exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rock-Cut Tombs
Throughout the necropolis
Explore ancient Roman-era burial chambers carved directly into the hillside, showcasing historical funerary practices.
Sarcophagi and Sculptures
Select tombs
Discover intricate sarcophagi and ancient sculptures within some of the more elaborate tombs of wealthy families.
Ancient Door Mechanisms
Accessible caves
See remnants of ancient engineering with preserved door mechanisms still in place within some of the accessible burial chambers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Accessibility
Best Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Roam Freely
Entry is free and you can explore many areas without staff. Enjoy the freedom to discover at your own pace!
🔦 Evening Illumination
The caves are illuminated in the evening, creating a unique atmosphere for exploration.
🏛️ Combine with Museum
It's conveniently located near the Archaeological Museum, making it easy to visit both in one trip.
🐈 Cat Encounters
Be prepared to meet some feline residents; many visitors note the presence of cats around the site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Roam Freely
Entry is free and you can explore many areas without staff. Enjoy the freedom to discover at your own pace!
🔦 Evening Illumination
The caves are illuminated in the evening, creating a unique atmosphere for exploration.
🏛️ Combine with Museum
It's conveniently located near the Archaeological Museum, making it easy to visit both in one trip.
🐈 Cat Encounters
Be prepared to meet some feline residents; many visitors note the presence of cats around the site.
⏳ Time Your Visit
Allow 30 minutes to an hour to explore the chambers and look for hidden passages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kızılkoyun Necropolis for its free entry and central location, making it an easily accessible historical gem. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore ancient Roman tombs and discover intricate details. Some note that not all caves are accessible, and it might not be a primary destination for those with limited time, but it's a worthwhile stop for history buffs and budget travelers.
"Free caves you can walk around. One of the reasons Turkey is great, they have places like this open to the public. Close to the Archaeological Museum. These are Roman era tombs."
Timothy Vaught
"An easily accessible archeological site right in the centre of all attractions in Şanlıurfa. We visited during the cooler evening hours and were accompanied by the local official archeologist who showed us the burial sites and explained some of the rituals. Strongly recommend. It takes about half an hour to an hour to check out the chambers and try to locate the hidden passages.
Entrance was free."
Zeki Akbas
"The Roman period necropolis is located in the center of Urfa, opposite of mosaic museum. The entrance is free. I visited during the day, but the caves are illuminated in the evening."
Gulnabat Baliyeva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kızılkoyun Necropolis is located right in the center of Şanlıurfa, making it very easily accessible. It's often mentioned as being opposite the mosaic museum and close to Balıklıgöl. You can walk to it from many central attractions.
Yes, it's very centrally located and often visited alongside other key sites in Şanlıurfa, including the Archaeological Museum, Balıklıgöl, and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance to the Kızılkoyun Necropolis is completely free. This makes it a great value for visitors looking to explore historical sites. +1
While specific official hours aren't always listed, the site is generally accessible during daylight hours. Many visitors find the evening hours particularly atmospheric, especially when the caves are illuminated.
No, advance booking is not required as the entrance is free. You can visit spontaneously.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore numerous Roman-era rock-cut tombs, some featuring sarcophagi, sculptures, and ancient door mechanisms. It's an open-air archaeological site offering a glimpse into ancient burial rituals.
Most visitors spend between half an hour to an hour exploring the chambers and looking for hidden passages.
Yes, the ancient rock tombs and the surrounding landscape offer unique photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, or when the caves are illuminated at night.
While not always formally advertised, some visitors have reported being accompanied by local official archaeologists who provided explanations. It's worth inquiring locally if a guided experience is possible.
Not all caves are accessible to visitors. Some may be closed off for preservation or due to structural reasons.
📸 📸 Photography
The rock-cut tombs themselves, especially those with visible sarcophagi or intricate carvings, are prime photo subjects. The interplay of light and shadow within the caves, particularly in the evening, also creates dramatic shots.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. However, always be respectful of the historical site and avoid using flash photography inside enclosed tomb spaces if it might damage ancient artwork or disturb the environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance
+1 It served as a major burial ground for wealthy families of the Edessa Kingdom. The necropolis features approximately 100 rock-cut tombs, many of which display Hellenistic and Roman-Byzantine influences. These tombs offer a fascinating glimpse into the funerary customs and social stratification of the era.The site was cleared of modern housing in the 2010s, revealing its ancient structures and making it accessible to the public.
Its proximity to other historically rich sites like Göbeklitepe and the city center of Şanlıurfa underscores the region's deep historical importance, often compared to discoveries at Göbeklitepe for its ancient significance.Visitors can observe various tomb types, from simpler chambers to more elaborate ones adorned with sarcophagi, sculptures, and even remnants of ancient door mechanisms.
Exploring the Necropolis
Look out for the details that make these tombs unique: some contain sarcophagi, while others feature carved reliefs or sculptures.
You might even spot ancient door mechanisms still in place, showcasing the ingenuity of Roman-era builders.Many visitors recommend visiting during the cooler evening hours, as the site is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
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