The sanctuary's discovery of the trilingual stele in 1973 provided the key to understanding the previously undecipherable Lycian language.
The three temples represent the cult of Leto, Apollo, and Artemis, the latter of which features a mosaic floor depicting a lyre and bow.
The sanctuary was intentionally located in a marshy, sacred area, often leading to the ruins sitting partially underwater.
Letoon acted as the spiritual capital of Lycia, despite Xanthos being the political capital.
The theater is constructed directly into the hillside, utilizing the natural incline for seating capacity.
Letoon served as the religious center of the Lycian League, a confederation of city-states in ancient Lycia. The sanctuary is dedicated to the triad of Leto and her twin children, Apollo and Artemis. Excavations have revealed three adjacent temples dating to the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd centuries BCE. The site features a well-preserved theater with a traditional Hellenistic design. A significant discovery at the site is the trilingual stele inscribed in Lycian, Greek, and Aramaic, which proved essential for deciphering the Lycian language. The sanctuary is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site shared with nearby Xanthos. High water tables frequently result in the lower portions of the ruins being submerged, creating a unique aquatic landscape. It functioned as the federal sanctuary where the Lycian League held its assemblies and religious festivals.
The elevated seating area of the theater provides a wide-angle view of the three temples and the surrounding wetlands.
Bring waterproof footwear if visiting during periods of high groundwater levels.
Combine your visit with the nearby Xanthos ruins to understand the full political and religious context of the region.
Carry plenty of water and sun protection, as the site offers minimal shade.
Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas without appropriate waterproof gear, as the terrain beneath the water is uneven and slippery.
