This shrine stands on the top of Mount Nemrut, at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. It was built by order of Antiochus I Epiphanes (69-34 BC), the ruler of the ancient Armenian kingdom of Commagene. Antiochus had Persian roots from his father and Greek from his mother, and this ethnic mix was reflected in the architecture of the majestic tomb, which was to glorify his name forever. A large 150-meter mound of fine stone is surrounded by terraces decorated with statues of ancestors, gods and animals. Among the images carved in stone are Zeus, Apollo, Hercules and Antiochus himself. Archaeologists explored the tomb in the 19th century, and in 1987 the ancient architectural monuments were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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Ирина Лотова

Level 8 Local Expert

I dreamed of getting to these places. there are practically no Russians here, but in vain. tours are mainly in Turkish and English, with a Russian-speaking guide only on request. we rented a car (there was a bit of a hitch there) and we were taken to the mountain in the evening. while you're going up there are benches, take a drink with you (it's better to have hot tea in a thermos, we were at the end of October), it's cold upstairs. you can't buy food and coffee nearby, but there's no place for that either (although I would put a cafe with tea downstairs). but the view is amazing!!!! you can even touch the monuments in some places. Many thanks to all the Turks who were on our way! You're great!

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