In recent weeks, thanks to research carried out by Professor Nevzat Çevik (Akdeniz University) in the vicinity of the Greco-Roman city of Myra (now Demre, Turkey), a new Roman thermal structure with mineral-medicinal waters has been located!
This site, known for its rock-cut Lycian tombs and a monumental Roman theatre, has various structures of great interest from the Greek and Roman occupation of this area of Anatolia. However, other lesser-known structures are located a few kilometres away from the main monumental centre, such as the structure interpreted in the literature since the 1960s as a nymphaeum. However, research carried out at the site, mainly since 2025, indicates that it is a monumental construction covering an active thermal spring, rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, sulphur and phosphorus, with a temperature of 16.5ºC that remains stable even in the hottest months.
The water flows into different pools carved out of the rock and lined with marble slabs. Although it has not yet been possible to excavate, it has been studied since 2009 despite it was partially hidden for years by buildings linked to local industry.
According to published data, the building dates back to the 2nd century AD and represents a purpose-built thermal installation directly dependent on natural hot water, designed around an original and highly specialised plan.
As indicated in the published information: ‘Because the thermal source continues to flow, water depth varies across different levels of the building. Excavation therefore proceeds cautiously, with engineers and conservation specialists working alongside archaeologists to design sustainable drainage and water-control solutions that will protect both the architecture and the ongoing research’.
Despite being forgotten, the tradition of using these waters for health purposes has remained alive over time, and, as the Professor Nevzat Çevik points out, recovering this Roman construction is helping to revive a thousand-year-old tradition that was being lost.
We hope to know more about the Roman spa of Myra soon! Thanks to Professor Nevzat Çevik for these great news!
By Silvia González Soutelo
You can read the news on the following websites:
https://restproperty.com/news-en/kultura/roman-thermal-complex-myra-antalyadiscovery/
A Long-Hidden Roman Thermal Complex Emerges at Myra After 15 Years of Delay
