Kayaköy

Kayaköy is one of the most atmospheric historical destinations near Fethiye, known for its abandoned stone houses, narrow pathways and peaceful hillside setting. Once a thriving settlement shared by different communities, the village today preserves powerful traces of the region’s Greek Orthodox heritage and early 20th-century history. The centre of the area is Kayaköy Village, historically known as Livissi. Until the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye in the 1920s, it was home to a large Greek Orthodox community. After the residents left, many of the buildings were abandoned, leaving behind a remarkable historical landscape. Hundreds of Historic Stone Houses cover the surrounding hillsides. Built close together along narrow streets, the houses typically feature stone walls, courtyards and simple architectural details adapted to the local climate. Their roofless interiors and weathered façades give Kayaköy its distinctive appearance today. One of the most important religious buildings is Taksiyarhis Church, also known as the Upper Church. Once one of the principal churches of the settlement, it reflects the religious and social importance of the Greek Orthodox community that lived in Kayaköy. Its surviving stonework and architectural details remain among the most impressive structures in the village. Another significant monument is Panagia Pyrgiotissa Church, commonly referred to as the Lower Church. Located in the lower part of the settlement, it served as another major place of worship for the local community and preserves traces of religious decoration and traditional church architecture. Walking through Kayaköy allows visitors to explore abandoned homes, churches, fountains and narrow stone streets while enjoying views across the surrounding hills and countryside. The quiet atmosphere makes the village very different from the busy coastal resorts nearby. Together, Kayaköy Village, its Historic Stone Houses, Taksiyarhis Church and Panagia Pyrgiotissa Church offer visitors a memorable journey through local architecture, religious heritage and social history. The preserved ruins create one of the most distinctive cultural landscapes in the Fethiye region.