Letoon: The Sacred Sanctuary of Lycia and Its Three Temples

Letoon, located near the Kaş district of Antalya and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the most important sanctuary of the Lycian civilization. Famous for its three temples dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children Apollo and Artemis, this site is regarded as the religious and ceremonial centre of ancient Lycia. Together with the nearby capital of Xanthos, it forms a single cultural whole.

History and what to see

Letoon takes its name from the legendary goddess Leto. According to ancient accounts, this was a centre of worship dedicated to Leto and her children, holding great importance for the Lycians over the centuries. The sanctuary was not merely a temple complex but also a gathering point where the shared religious ceremonies of the Lycian League were held.

The foundations and column remains of the three temples rising side by side form the most striking scene of the visit. These three structures were dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis respectively; as you wander among the ruins, you can deeply feel the atmosphere of an ancient sanctuary. The site also features a theatre, traces of a colonnaded gallery and mosaic remains that draw the eye.

One of Letoon's most valuable finds is an inscription written in three languages; such multilingual texts are counted among the important sources that shed light for researchers on deciphering the Lycian language. The fact that part of the site is at times covered with water lends the place an added serenity and mystery, with the temples mirrored in the surface.

How to get there

Letoon lies in the area between Kaş and Fethiye, very close to Xanthos. For those coming from central Antalya, the most practical option is to reach it by car following the coast road. Those who prefer public transport can take regional buses and minibuses to the surrounding settlements and from there reach the site a short distance away. Since it is on the same route as Xanthos, it is extremely easy to plan the two together; we recommend checking current transport options before you go.

When to go and practical tips

Spring and autumn are the most enjoyable seasons to explore Letoon. In summer the sun can be quite scorching and shade at the site is limited; for this reason early morning or the cooler late hours of the day offer a more comfortable visit.

The site charges admission and entry conditions may change seasonally; it is therefore wise to confirm current hours and conditions before you go. Don't forget to bring water, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. By visiting Letoon together with nearby Xanthos on the same day, you can experience both the administrative and the spiritual world of Lycia in full in a single day.

Why is Letoon an important sanctuary?

Letoon holds great importance because it was the shared religious centre of the Lycian League. With its three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, this was not merely a place of worship but also a ceremonial gathering point where the Lycian cities came together. This feature makes it a rare site reflecting the shared identity of ancient Lycia.

To whom are the three temples at Letoon dedicated?

The three temples at Letoon are dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children Apollo and Artemis. These three structures, rising side by side, form the heart of the sanctuary, and the site takes its name from this family of deities. As you wander among the ruins, you can see the foundations and column traces of each temple.

Are Letoon and Xanthos visited together?

Yes, because Letoon and Xanthos are very close together, they are usually visited on the same day and are listed by UNESCO as a single whole. Xanthos is the administrative centre of the city, while Letoon is the sanctuary where religious ceremonies were held. Seeing the two together is the best way to fully grasp the Lycian civilization.

After visiting Letoon, you can keep exploring Xanthos, the surrounding Lycian routes and more Antalya guides with FindAntalya.