Patara & Xanthos

Patara was a very wealthy city due to trade and was one of the six principal cities of Lycia. Patara’s oracle at the renowned temple of Apollo (not yet found) was said to rival that at Delphi and the temple equalled the reputation of the famous temple on the island of Delos. It was believed that Apollo lived at Delos during the summer but spent his winters at Patara. Omens were interpreted in these two towns during the respective seasons. A large bust of Apollo, discovered on the hill beyond the City Gate, indicates the existence of an Apollo Temple which has not yet been found.