What if you were to forget all the beaches and crowded marinas you know in Mersin for a moment? What if we invited you to discover the secret of stone figures that have been whispering in the depths of a steep canyon for 2000 years? This is Adamkayalar, a hidden temple not easily found on maps, a place with a soul, awaiting adventurous travelers. The journey here is not just an ordinary trip, but a descent back in time, into the heart of the canyon.

This guide will not only provide you with a list of things to do in Adamkayalar but will also accompany you with every step you take in this mysterious land. Get ready for a journey into the secrets Mersin hides in its depths, from the Roman-era figures on the canyon's steep slopes to the healing caves beneath the earth. Because to reach the beauties of this region, you often have to go down, into the heart of the earth.

Discover the Roman-era rock reliefs on the steep slope of Devil's Creek Canyon

Reaching Adamkayalar is an adventure in itself. After driving about 5 kilometers on the asphalt road from Kızkalesi to Hüseyinler Village, you will see a sign directing you to the west. The next 2 kilometers of stabilized road will take you away from civilization and into the embrace of nature and history. Where the road ends, you park your car and start following the arrows painted in red on the stones, and that's when the real adventure begins.   

You descend about 100 meters down a path that requires some caution, into the Devil's Creek Canyon (Şeytan Deresi Kanyonu). This descent might seem intimidating at first, but the view that greets you with every step is worth all the effort. The limestone structure of the canyon winds with a snow-white trace along the creek bed, and this breathtaking geography, stretching all the way to Kızkalesi, will simply mesmerize you.   

And there they are. Figures carved into the steep wall of the canyon like lace, defying time. Before you stand 11 male, 4 female, 2 child figures, a mountain goat, and a Roman eagle in 9 niches. These figures are not random; each tells a story. Sometimes it's a banquet scene for a deceased commander, sometimes a soldier bidding farewell to his wife, and sometimes a sacrifice offered to the gods. It is believed that these reliefs were made in the 2nd century AD in memory of the region's prominent figures, and there is no other place in Anatolia where so many reliefs are found together. Unfortunately, this unique heritage has been damaged by treasure hunters using dynamite and using it for target practice. Therefore, visiting this place is not just a trip, but also a testimony to this fragile history.   

Believe in the healing power of the humid air for asthma sufferers

While the stone walls of Adamkayalar whisper tales of the past, the secrets of this region are not only on the surface. Now, we turn our route underground, to a cool and humid world believed to offer healing. The Asthma Cave (Astım Mağarası), located very close to Adamkayalar, is another natural wonder of the region.   

When you arrive at the entrance of the cave, a helical iron staircase with 78 steps greets you. The moment you start descending these stairs, the cool and humid air that hits your face signals that you have entered a completely different atmosphere from the world outside. For centuries, the local people have believed that the air in this cave is good for asthma patients, and this belief has a scientific basis.   

The air temperature inside the cave remains constant at around 15 degrees Celsius year-round, while the humidity can reach up to 95% in the summer. This highly humid and clean air, free from allergens like pollen, allows those with respiratory problems to breathe more easily. That's why this place is seen not just as a natural wonder, but also as a center for healing. The underground treasures in this area are not limited to the Asthma Cave. To see all the geological and historical beauties Mersin has to offer, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to discover other natural wonders of Mersin.

Feel the atmosphere created by the stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave

As you breathe in the healing air of the Asthma Cave, you will also be amazed by the visual feast surrounding you. This cave, with a history dating back to the third geological period, resembles an underground palace adorned with giant stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. As you wander through the interconnected galleries, totaling 200 meters, you feel as if you are in a fairy tale. Each formation, struck by light, takes on a different shape, challenging your imagination.   

The subterranean atmosphere that the Asthma Cave offers is just the beginning. If you're ready, we are now taking you down into a much larger, much more legendary sinkhole, to Heaven (Cennet). The Heaven and Hell Sinkholes (Cennet ve Cehennem Obrukları), located right next to the Asthma Cave, are among the most visited spots in the region. The Heaven Sinkhole, in particular, offers an unforgettable experience with its massive size and the ability to descend into it.   

You embark on a journey down a stone staircase of 452 steps to the bottom of the sinkhole, 70 meters deep. At the 300th step, a big surprise awaits you: a 5th-century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This man-made structure in the middle of this gigantic work of nature creates an incredible contrast that fascinates all who see it. The Hell Sinkhole (Cehennem Obruğu), on the other hand, is a frightening yet impressive pit, known in Greek mythology as the place where Zeus imprisoned the dragon Typhon, and its steep, inward-curving walls make it impossible to descend into.  

 Since You're Here...

This journey from the steep slopes of Adamkayalar to the healing passages of the Asthma Cave is the best proof that Mersin is more than just sea and sun. After satisfying your adventurous spirit, here are a few more wonderful places you can head to:

Kızkalesi (Maiden's Castle): Just a few kilometers from Adamkayalar, this iconic castle shines like a pearl in the middle of the Mediterranean. According to legend, it was built to protect a princess who was prophesied to die from a snake bite. Today, it awaits visitors with both its historical texture and its deep blue sea. You can continue your adventure by visiting the legendary Maiden's Castle, which shines like a pearl in the middle of the Mediterranean.

Kanlıdivane: Another stop full of history and mystery, Kanlıdivane is an ancient city built around a giant sinkhole. It is said to have gotten its name (which translates to "Bloody Madhouse") from the rumor that criminals were thrown into this sinkhole to be fed to wild animals during the Roman period. You will feel like you are in an open-air museum as you wander among the churches, cisterns, and rock tombs from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.   

For More Information

If you wish to obtain more in-depth academic information about the history of Adamkayalar and the meaning of the reliefs, you can consult the official resources of the T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism.(https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/mersin/gezilecekyer/adamkayalar)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: How do you get to Adamkayalar and is the access difficult?Answer: It is reached by a 7 km car ride from Kızkalesi. The last 2 km are on a stabilized road. After parking the vehicle, you descend into the canyon via a 100-meter path that requires caution. The final descent can be a bit challenging for inexperienced hikers but is enjoyable for adventure seekers.   

Question 2: Is there an entrance fee for Adamkayalar and what are the visiting hours?Answer: Entrance to Adamkayalar is completely free. There are no official visiting hour restrictions, but for safety and the best photography light, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours, especially in the morning or late afternoon.   

Question 3: What other places can be visited around Adamkayalar?Answer: Adamkayalar is in a very central location. Kızkalesi, Heaven and Hell Sinkholes, and the Asthma Cave are only 5-10 km away. If you want to go a bit further, important historical sites like Kanlıdivane and Uzuncaburç Ancient City are waiting for you within a 15-20 km distance.