Elmalı is a centre for archaeological excavations, most of which relate to the Bronze Age. The area is well known for Tumuli, ancient burial mounds called Hoyuks in Turkey. Many have been robbed, but finds are still being discovered. The Elmalı museum has a selection of finds with the oldest going back to 5,000 BC. In addition there are displays of Lycian tombs.
The major attraction is part of the “treasure of the century” or Elmalı Hoard. It was discovered by looters in 1984 and smuggled out of the country and consisted of 1,900 silver coins. The coins originated from across Greece and Lycia in the 5th Century BC. It is believed they were collected together at the time of the Persian invasion. The Hoard is particularly important because it includes 14 decadrachma (10 drachma) coins and prior to 1984 only 13 has been found. Much of the hoard ended up in the hands of an American collector. In 1999, after out of court agreement 1,700 coins were returned to Turkey. Most are displayed at the Antalya museum but a small selection can be seen in Elmalı.
We were the only visitors when we went to the museum; just us and a security guard. No need for a ticket and no gift shop.
Shilli-Fully Travels 