Archaeologists have uncovered stunning mosaics and sacred inscriptions in the ancient city of Olympos, nestled in Türkiye’s Antalya province. The discoveries, made in a 5th-century church known as Church No. 1, include a striking mosaic just outside the entrance reading, “Only those on the right path may enter here.” It’s believed this served as a spiritual guide for early Christians.
The mosaics also feature intricate geometric and botanical patterns, as well as inscriptions honouring the patrons who funded the church’s construction. Olympos was a major city during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras, and previous excavations have revealed a bishop’s palace, monumental tombs, and more.
A residential building dating to the same period was also found nearby, built over a Roman necropolis and later rebuilt after a 6th-century fire.
Led by Pamukkale University’s ᴀssociate Professor Gökçen Kurtuluş Öztaşkin, the team is preparing to excavate what they believe could be a temple at the city centre. Future plans include further exploration of the bishop’s palace, additional churches, and the northern and southern zones of the site.
