Türkiye showcases ancient engineering marvel to boost cultural tourism

Delikkemer aqueduct near Patara draws visitors with reverse siphon system and Roman-era heritage

ANTALYA, Türkiye (MNTV) – Türkiye highlights the Delikkemer aqueduct in Antalya’s Kaş district as a unique cultural heritage site and tourism attraction, inviting visitors to explore a Roman-era water system once vital to the ancient city of Patara.

Stretching 22 kilometers, the Delikkemer was originally constructed during the Hellenistic period and restored under Roman Emperor Vespasian. 

Today, it serves as a scenic route on the Lycian Way, offering tourists views of Mediterranean forests and historical architecture.

Şevket Aktaş, head of the Patara Excavation, explained that the water was transported from Islamlar Village—formerly Bodamya—through a combination of open and closed channels, arches, and a sophisticated reverse siphon system. 

“This structure is an engineering marvel of its time and a symbol of Patara’s grandeur,” he said.

The aqueduct, measuring 190 meters in length and 9.5 meters in height at its most impressive stretch, carried water across five arched structures before it was stored in Patara’s main reservoir and distributed to its districts and port.

Tourist interest in the ancient waterway has grown in recent years. Locals now organize annual hikes and festivals along the historic route, retracing the water’s path to Patara. 

As part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Future Heritage” initiative, plans are underway to restore the original water flow at the city gate to recreate the sensory experience for modern visitors.