The central mosaic features the 'Three Graces,' who are often identified by inscriptions in Greek within the tile work.
The floor was originally part of a bath complex commissioned by a high-ranking official named Flavius Bassianus.
The preserved area covers approximately 165 square meters of intricate tile work.
Construction of the museum building was completed in 1999 to prevent further environmental damage to the exposed artifacts.
The mosaic tiles were crafted from natural stones sourced from the local Mediterranean region.
The Narlıkuyu Museum, also known as the Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum, is a specialized archaeological site built directly over the remains of an ancient Roman-era bathhouse. Its primary exhibit is a remarkably well-preserved floor mosaic dating back to the 4th century AD, depicting the three daughters of Zeus: Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia. The museum structure was constructed specifically to protect these in situ mosaics while allowing visitors to view them from an elevated walkway. The artwork features elaborate geometric borders and floral motifs surrounding the central figures. The site is situated in the coastal town of Narlıkuyu, which historically served as a port for the nearby ancient city of Korykos. The mosaics represent the transition from classical artistic styles to the early Byzantine period. Visitors can observe the floor's original drainage systems through the glass-protected walkways. The museum is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The elevated walkway provides a perfect top-down perspective of the central 'Three Graces' mosaic.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Cennet and Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) sinkholes.
Look for the detailed Greek inscriptions embedded within the mosaic borders.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the intense heat of the Mersin coastal summer.
Do not mistake the museum for a large-scale archaeological complex; it is a small, focused site.
Generally open daily; check local listings for potential winter hour reductions.
Maintain a respectful distance from the viewing platforms and do not touch the glass enclosures.
