Located on Heaven Island (Cennet Adası), the peninsula that protects the entrance to Marmaris Bay, Nimara Cave is an extraordinary archaeological site. Excavations have revealed that the cave was used as a sanctuary and human dwelling since the Paleolithic era.
Ancient Cult of Leto
Archaeologists have discovered that from the ancient Greek period through the Roman era, Nimara Cave was a sacred place of worship dedicated to the goddess Leto (mother of Apollo and Artemis). Offerings, clay statues, and ancient glass beads have been found inside the cave, showing its long history as a spiritual temple.
Prehistoric Human Traces
Excavations carried out by the Marmaris Museum in 1999 proved that human presence inside Nimara Cave dates back 12,000 years. This makes it one of the most important prehistoric sites in southwest Turkey. The cave is reached via a scenic forest walking path, offering a wonderful combination of nature and archaeology.