Tabae (Tabai) and Kale Castle
Explore the ancient ruins of Tabae and Kale Castle, a historically rich site with a continuous settlement from the Hellenistic period, featuring the w...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Tabae (Tabai) and Kale Castle
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient ruins of Tabae and Kale Castle, a historically rich site with a continuous settlement from the Hellenistic period, featuring the well-preserved Cevherpaşa Mosque.
"A historically significant site with free entry and great views, though much of it is in ruins."
Free Entry!
No admission fee required to explore the historical ruins. :moneywithwings:
Rough Road Access
Be prepared for a bumpy 1km drive after leaving the main road. A sturdy vehicle is recommended. 🚗
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cevherpaşa Mosque
Main ruin site
The most intact structure, offering a glimpse into Ottoman-era architecture amidst the ancient ruins.
Panoramic Views
High vantage point
Enjoy sweeping views of the modern Kale district and surrounding forests from this elevated historical site.
Ancient City Foundations
Scattered throughout the site
Explore remnants of a city with a history stretching from the Hellenistic period, once minting its own gold coins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Ruins
Access and Condition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry!
No admission fee required to explore the historical ruins. :moneywithwings:
Rough Road Access
Be prepared for a bumpy 1km drive after leaving the main road. A sturdy vehicle is recommended. 🚗
Manage Expectations
Much of the site is in ruins; focus on the historical context and remaining structures. :thinking_face:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rubble require comfortable, closed-toe footwear for safe exploration. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry!
No admission fee required to explore the historical ruins. :moneywithwings:
Rough Road Access
Be prepared for a bumpy 1km drive after leaving the main road. A sturdy vehicle is recommended. 🚗
Manage Expectations
Much of the site is in ruins; focus on the historical context and remaining structures. :thinking_face:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rubble require comfortable, closed-toe footwear for safe exploration. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Tabae and Kale Castle to be a historically significant site with free entry and impressive views, particularly appreciating the intact Cevherpaşa Mosque. However, many note that the majority of the ruins are in disrepair, leading to a 'sad experience' for some expecting more preserved structures.
"So the ruins are a stolen minaret and a mosque, but the mosque is not open, there is no one there and it remains idle, a sad experience."
Merve Çifci
"When the first name of the district, "Tabas", is examined, it is understood that the word Taba means rock and that it took this name because it was founded on a rocky hill. Furthermore, since the word Taba also means "those in the court, those in the court," it can be described as those loyal to the king, those in the king's employ. Furthermore, another name for Tabae, Davas or Tavas, has survived to this day among the Turks. The district was originally built on the ruins of the ancient city of Tabas. This city is a double-walled castle. Because of the castle, it is known as Kale Davaz. After 1950, it was simply called Kale.
Located at the 78th kilometer of the Denizli-Muğla highway, Tabae resembles a natural fortress. Tabae was one of the city-states established in Anatolia after Alexander the Great and has been the site of uninterrupted settlement from the Hellenistic period to the present day. Gold coins were minted in its name in ancient times. The Roman Baths and the Ottoman Cevherpaşa Mosque are among the ruins that survive to this day.
Ibn Battuta, who visited the city in the 1330s, mentioned only the castle; Evliya Çelebi, however, He stated that in the 1670s, the city consisted of an inner castle containing 50 houses and a mosque, and an outer castle with 300 houses, 5 neighborhoods, 5 mosques, 1 inn, 1 bathhouse, 3 schools, 3 fountains, 2 dervish lodges, and 6 zawiyas. Beginning in the 1950s during the Republican era, the city began to be abandoned, and as a result, with the exception of a few structures, almost all of it lies buried. Only two mosques, a bathhouse, a fountain, and a fountain survive from the city to this day."
Murat Abalı
"It's located directly opposite the current Kale district of Denizli. This was once the site of Kale settlement. It's on the Muğla-Fethiye road, 2.2 km from Kale. After leaving the asphalt road, the road is rough for about 1 km. The Cevherpaşa Mosque remains intact, while the other ruins are 80% destroyed. It's located on a high spot where you can see Kale and the forest. Entry is free. If you're ever in the area, I recommend stopping by."
Kemal Gülseven
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tabae and Kale Castle are located about 2.2 km from the modern Kale district, off the Denizli-Muğla highway. After turning off the asphalt road, expect a rough 1 km track suitable for sturdier vehicles.
Public transport directly to the ruins is limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle or taxi from Kale.
Take the Denizli-Muğla highway. The site is approximately 78 km from Denizli. Look for the turn-off for Kale and then follow signs or GPS for the ruins.
While there isn't a designated parking lot, you can usually find a place to park your vehicle near the entrance to the ruins.
Tabae is located on the Denizli-Muğla highway, making it more accessible from Denizli. The distance from Muğla city center would be longer, likely over an hour's drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Tabae and Kale Castle is free. You can explore the ruins without purchasing any tickets.
As an open-air archaeological site, Tabae does not have set opening hours. It is generally accessible during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee. The site is freely accessible to all visitors.
While there are no official hours, it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and better visibility of the ruins.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. It's recommended to research the history beforehand or visit with someone knowledgeable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the ruins of an ancient city, including the relatively intact Cevherpaşa Mosque, remnants of walls, and scattered foundations. The site offers historical context and views.
A visit to Tabae typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the ruins and enjoying the views.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or cafes at the Tabae ruins. It's advisable to come prepared.
Yes, the ruins, especially the Cevherpaşa Mosque, and the surrounding landscape offer good opportunities for photography, particularly during golden hour.
The ruins are largely destroyed, with only about 20% remaining. The Cevherpaşa Mosque is the most well-preserved structure.
📸 📸 Photography
The Cevherpaşa Mosque is a prime subject. The elevated vantage points offer great shots of the surrounding landscape and the modern Kale district.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for capturing the textures of the ruins and the scenic views.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over historical sites.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expanse of the ruins and landscape. A telephoto lens can be good for details on the mosque.
As the site is largely ruins, there are no specific artifacts on display to photograph. Focus on the architectural remnants and the environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit