Tarsus is an important city which has attracted attention as a settlement where various cultures and religions have lived together since ancient times and Donuktaş. is one of the important temples in Tarsus Donuktaş is the oldest surviving temple of Tarsus and is known by names such as "Donuktaş", "Dönüktaş" among the people.

Donuktaş Temple

Donuktaş Roman Temple, with rectangular dimensions of 133.50 m x 60.50 m It is the largest temple in the ancient world with its high columns on all sides (10 x 21) 20 m.. Since the goal of Tarsus in the Roman period was to pass the Seven Wonders of the World, the largest temple of the ancient world was established in Tarsus. This monumental temple displays similarities with the Temple of Apollo in Didim.

The structure of the tepmple at first glance resembles a large rock mass. It  was built in the 2nd century, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. According to the information obtained from the Tarsus coins, it was understood that the temple was built for the emperor cult of Hadrian and was the common temple of the Roman Province of Cilicia.

It is an interesting detail that the Donuktaş temple had no door until recently, and the existing door was opened later. It is thought that the entrance and exit to Donuktaş is provided underground.

There are tunnels in Donuktaş and  where they reach is  unknown. Rumor has it that one of these tunnels is connected to the Ancient Roman road in Tarsus.

It is understood from the historical texts that one of the most magnificent doors of Hagia Sophia was previously located in Donuktaş, but was brought to Istanbul by the Byzantine Empire and used in Hagia Sophia.

Donuktaş Story & Legend

According to a story told about Donuktaş by the people of Tarsus, when Donuktaş was a king's palace on the Gözlükule Mound in ancient times,  then the palace turned upside down and fell to its present place with a kick thrown by a prophet who was angry with the king.

The local people have an interesting story about the cave in the middle of Donuktaş, which used to have no entry or exit point on its walls. In the past, newlyweds would enter through this entrance and exit from another place outside the building, so it was believed that the marriage would be good. But after a couple couldn't go out and were never found again, entry was banned from here.

Where is Donuktaş? Directions Information. How to go to Donuktaş?

Donuktaş Temple is located in Tekke Neighborhood in Tarsus District of Mersin. Its distance from Mersin is about 27 km.

To get to Donuktaş from Mersin; after reaching Tarsus Town Center by private car, you need to head south across the Old Mosque on Adana Street. In order to reach Donuktaş by public transportation, you can go to Donuktaş after reaching Tarsus town center by Mersin-Tarsus minibuses or train. Donuktaş is located close to other historical places in the center of Tarsus, and we recommend those who will visit this place with other historical beauties, park their vehicles in a convenient place and enjoy all these points on foot that are very close to each other.

Donuktaş is closed to the entrance and you can enter here by obtaining a key from the Tekke District headman.

Places to be seen around Donuktaş

Donuktaş temple is at the center of Tarsus. All historical places listed respectively as, Makam Mosque,  Ulu Mosque, Kırkkaşık Bedesten , Kubatpaşa Madrasah, St Paul Memorial Museum,  Cleopatra Gate, Tarsus Museum, Ancient Roman Road, St. Paul's Well and Old Tarsus Houses  are all within walking distance. Our advice to visitors who come Tarsus  by private vehicle, to leave their vehicles in a suitable place and visit all these points on foot. They will have had a pleasant time full of history from the ancient period  to Turkish Republic.

Other nearby touristic spots:

Tarsus Waterfall: 2.2  km

Nusret Minelayer Culture Park: 2.3  km

Tarsus Zoo: 7  km

Eshabı Kehf Cave: 14 km

Taşkuyu Cave: 14 km

Sağlıklı Roman Road: 18 km