Kadyanda was an ancient Lycian city in the mountains, within sight of the ancient city of Telmessos. (today Fethiye). Little is known about the history of the city. The foundation itself lies in the darkness of history. The name is traced back to the Lycian "Kadawañti" and thus proves its old age. An inscription from the 4th century BC, preserved in fragments, tells of the participation of warriors from Kadyanda in a campaign of the Carian ruler Pixodaros against the city of Kaunos. In Hellenistic times, the city was for the first time provided with a fortification wall, of which some parts have survived to this day.

In Roman times the city experienced an enormous upswing. Most of the buildings preserved today were built or, like the theatre, extended during this period. The absence of buildings from the Byzantine period is remarkable. Only some sections of the fortifications can be attributed to Byzantine times due to the technique used. From the 4th century A.D. onwards, there are no finds to be attributed to a later time. The city seems to have been abandoned at this time. The reasons for this are not known. There was no recolonisation.

The plateau on which Kadyanda was built is now densely forested, so that a visit can be carried out largely in the shade of the trees.
If you follow the path from the car park on the southern slope to the left, the path initially leads through the extensive necropolis with many Roman tombs. The plateau with the ruins of several public buildings is entered after a steep ascent over the fallen fragments of a Roman heroon (see photo). Which god or hero was worshipped here is not known.

After the Heroon the path leads past the former Agora and the Stoa to the "Stadium". The equipment of this 15 m wide open space with its six rows of seats leaves room for a wide variety of interpretations of the original purpose. This interpretation could be based on inscriptions that support inscriptions found nearby. However, the recently uncovered paving and the central location leave little doubt about its use as a magnificent avenue. Some archaeologists recently suggested interpreting the steps as seats for events of ritual character, such as processions.

Opposite the "Stadion" (this is how it is signposted) is a building of large blocks called Therme (Bath). An inscription found nearby says that Emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD Roman Emperor) financially supported the construction of a bathing complex. The floor plan, divided into three rooms, as well as the large window openings of the building support the interpretation of this building.

The Theatre

On the southern slope of the plateau is the theatre of Kadyanda, built in Hellenistic times and restored in Roman times and extended by a stone stage house. The rows of seats (cavea) are quite well preserved. A special feature is the uppermost row of seats with a backrest on the upper deck.

The Hellenistic city wall below the theatre

Unterhalb des Theaters haben sich Reste der ursprünglichen, hellenistischen Stadtmauer erhalten. Die damals übliche Zyklopenbauweise ist von hervorragender Qualität und zeugt von einer Bauphase während einer friedlichen Periode.

Kadyanda is about 25 km from the centre of Fethiye. From the coastal road D400, on the penultimate exit to Fethiye, towards Muğla, the well signposted and well-developed road to Üzümlü branches off. In Uzümlü turn right into the village and follow the signs. The road leads out of the village. Shortly after an old Seljuk water reservoir, the signposted gravel road to Kadyanda branches off to the right. After a felt 5 km uphill (it is a good 3 km) you reach the parking lot with the ticket office.